Simmonds ready to continue success against Germany

LIZZIE Simmonds insists she is on top form ahead of this weekend's Dual in the Pool against Germany in Swansea.

FULLY FOCUSSED: Lizzie Simmonds is hoping 2010 will be her best year yet (Getty Images)

The 19-year-old has been enjoying warm weather training in Florida and is hoping 2010 will see her recreate the form she showed to qualify for the final of the 200m backstroke at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

The Olympian continued her success in 2009 as she finished ahead of the field in both the 100m and 200m backstroke in December's Dual in the Pool which saw Europe take on America.

The Dual in Manchester saw Simmonds take on a world-class field and win, coming ahead of world champion and teammate Gemma Spofforth.

"My preparations have been going really well, I was in Florida for three weeks and it was really warm and really beneficial being out there," said Simmonds.

"I really enjoyed the duel against America at the end of last year and it is a bit of novelty for us Brits because we haven't really done anything like it before.

"You are more worried about winning then anything else and I will be no different to the way I was against America against Germany.

"And I think they are great for swimming, it gives you a more competitive environment than training and hopefully we can bring as many into our yearly schedule as we can."

After lowering her personal best in the 50m backstroke last week at the BUCS Championships, Simmonds knows an impressive performance will set her up for the Commonwealth trials taking place next month.

And Simmonds is not concerned that the Duel against Germany will be one of the first major international meets to be staged since world governing body FINA's ban on polyurethane suits came into force on January 1.

"Last year was weird because of the whole suit fiasco but personally I think it was good for swimming because it got people talking about the sport," she added.

"Before it the sport was on a bit of downer but having said that at least now everyone is back on a level playing field - I can't wait to get started against Germany.

"The nature of the event is such that it isn't about getting in there and setting personal bests, it is about getting in there and racing a good race and winning."