TEAM 2012: Water polo team are making waves, says Kershaw

By Ben Baker, Sportsbeat

 REBECCA Kershaw insists Great Britain are a water polo are team on the rise - and she has vowed to be a part of the journey all the way to London 2012.

ON THE UP: Rebecca Kershaw believes Great Britain's women's water polo team are making big strides (British Swimming)

The 20-year-old is a relative newcomer to the senior ranks but was part of the team that claimed the scalp of water polo giants and old enemies Germany at the World League earlier this year.

The GB girls also downed Italy last term and will continue their development in 2010 by jetting off to Hungary twice a month to compete in their domestic league.

And with less than two years to go until the London 2012 Olympics, the Lancaster City Swimming and Water Polo Club player insists the GB side are going places, and quickly.

"The team feels like we are progressing really well at the minute and it looks good with London 2012 in mind," said Kershaw.

"Last season we beat Germany and Italy and it was the first time we had ever beaten teams like that before so it really showed how we are improving.

"We used to get a real thrashing against teams like that in the past and not have a chance before, but now we are really improving.

"I think we are definitely progressing on time, looking ahead to London 2012.  It's going to be a busy couple of years but I am really looking forward to it."

Kershaw and co are currently enjoying a hard-earned break but will be back in the pool sooner rather than later as they gear up for the Commonwealth Games in India in October.

But despite the highs of last season, Kershaw has called on the squad not to rest on their laurels in India as they bid to complete their transformation into concrete medal contenders.

"I think the Commonwealth Games will be a major test because that is obviously Australia and New Zealand included in that," added Kershaw - who is juggling her water polo with her studies at Manchester Metropolitan University.

"In the past we have never beaten Australia or New Zealand either at senior level so that will be a good chance for us to keep improving.

"I think in terms of the rest of the world we are definitely competitive now and we are probably on course but we need to keep working hard and keep getting the good results."

Visa is proud to be Presenting Partner of Team 2012, a team of 1,200 athletes across the UK who are aiming to compete at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For more information go to www.lifeflowsbetter.com