Simmonds looks to 2010 with increasing optimism

By Ryan Bangs, Sportsbeat, in Manchester

LIZZIE Simmonds admitted her efforts at the British Gas Duel in the Pool have given her plenty of reason for optimism ahead of a busy year in 2010

FOCUS: Lizzie Simmonds can't wait for 2010 after impressing at last weekend's British Gas Duel in the Pool (Getty Images)

The 18-year-old, from Lincoln, was one of the standout British performers at the Manchester Aquatics Centre - claiming victories and 10 points in total for Europe in the 100m and 200m backstroke.

Simmonds stormed to her preferred 200m backstroke win in a new European record of 2.00.91 minutes on the opening night before going on to star again in the 100m equivalent.

The former Lincoln Vulcan clocked a new personal best of 56.69 seconds on the second day to finish first ahead of Margaret Hoelzer.

Twice Simmonds got the better of world 100m backstroke champion and fellow Brit Spofforth in Manchester - and the Lincoln teenager has vowed to ensure that is the rule rather than the exception next year.

"As I am, I know Gemma is in tough training at the moment and she has had to come over from America and adapt," said Simmonds, after the USA lifted the inaugural Duel in the Pool crown, dubbed "the Ryder Cup of swimming", 185-78.

"But it is always great to beat the people you race against at world level.

"I think all competitions like this are great for experience; it is head-to-head, intense and really good fun.

"I know Gemma will be back fighting fit next year and rested for the big competitions and that is something I will have to deal with.

"I was really hoping to win the 200m backstroke but you never know, the line up of both the events was pretty much the same as the World Championships.

"It isn't like a domestic event where you know you will win - it is a tough competition.

"All the American girls do a lot of short course racing so it was just all about me going into the races with nothing to lose."

  * British Gas and British Swimming. The nation's leading energy supplier, British Gas, is the Principal Partner of British Swimming, supporting the sport at all levels: 'From paddling pool to podium'. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming