Great Britain out to prove themselves against Germany

THOMAS Haffield insists Britain have a point to prove at this weekend's British Gas Duel in the Pool with Germany after being humiliated at the inaugural event two months ago.


NEW DUEL: Thomas Haffield wants to improve on Great Britain's showing against
the Americans as they face Germany in Swansea this weekend (Getty Images)

The 22-year-old was one of 14 Britons, 12 Italians and eight Germans that formed a European select team to take on 36 of America's best swimmers in December.

However Haffield and co were found wanting at the Manchester Aquatics Centre as the USA - headed by 14-time Olympic champion Michael Phelps - ran out comprehensive 185-78 winners.

Haffield witnessed first-hand the power of the Americans as he came home fourth in the 400m medley with Tyler Clary, Jack Brown and Alex Vanderkaay occupying the top three positions.

But with Britain and Germany going from teammates to rivals in Swansea - Haffield has vowed to show that Britain were not the weak link against America at the end of last year.

"At the first Duel in the Pool at the end of last year we simply weren't as strong as the American team and that was very disappointing," he said.

"It was a really good event and I like the concept of the head-to-head meets but we just didn't compete and as a nation we need to address that.

"Germany will be tough but it is a good opportunity to see where I am currently at, not only compared to the other British guys, but to other swimmers in the world.

"That is always useful and the Duel in the Pool is different to traditional meets and certainly should bring out the best in people."

Haffield will train through the British Gas Duel in the Pool with the British Championships and Commonwealth Trials at the end of March at the top of his list of priorities.

The Welshman has already booked his place on the plane to the Delhi Commonwealth Games in October, courtesy of his seventh-place finish in the 400m medley at the World Championships in Rome.

And Haffield - who made his Commonwealth Games debut in Melbourne four years ago - admitted he feels under no pressure to perform over the coming weeks and months as a result.

"I am working really hard at the moment and I am going to train through the Duel in the Pool which means I am going to be pretty tired," he added.

"I am not missing any sessions at all because my main focus is the only British Championships despite having already qualified to go to the Commonwealth Games.

"The Welsh team is selected in a different way which is nice because it takes the pressure off and I can just relax over the next two months."