Halsall setting sights on medals after star role in duel meet

By Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat

FRAN Halsall was the star of the show as Great Britain made light work of old enemies Germany in Swansea - then immediately set her sights on Commonwealth Games glory in 2010.

MEDALS IN SIGHT: British teenager Fran Halsall is eyeing up more silverware after an expolosive performance at GB's duel victory over Germany in Swansea (OnEdition)

The 19-year-old was a key figure in the British Gas GB v Germany Swim Meet, winning both her individual events - 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle - as well as helping the relay team to two victories as the hosts ran out 207-109 victors.

Next up on the agenda for Halsall are the British Gas British Championships in Sheffield at the end of March - an event which doubles up as trials for October's Commonwealth Games in India.

Halsall claimed 100m freestyle silver in last year's World Championships in Rome and after her Swansea heroics admits she is already eyeing more silverware.

"Everything went really well in Swansea and I really enjoyed the meeting," said Halsall. 

"It was nice for the team to win and it was just nice to be in the water racing. 

"I'd race every weekend if I could because I much prefer it to training and after swimming well inSwansea I am feeling confident about going to Sheffield for the trials at the end of March.

"It was fantastic to win the silver in Rome last year and that does mean that there is a bit more expectation going into the Commonwealth Games this year.

"But I am confident I can go there and build on what I did last year and get another medal which would be fantastic."

Liam Tancock was also on song in Swansea with the 24-year-old claiming 20 points for GB, following victories in the 50m and 100m backstroke in times of 24.92 seconds and 55.30 seconds respectively.

And the 24-year-old, who won 50m backstroke gold at the World Championships in Rome in a world record time of 24.04 seconds last summer, admitted he loved every minute of the weekend.

"These events are amazing to be a part of and it's always such an honour to represent your country," said Tancock, who also helped GB to gold in the 400m freestyle and individual medley relays.

"It's great to be part of a team and cheering for the others and taking on the best swimmers from the rest of the world.

"Beating Germany was a great boost for us all and it was brilliant to be able to lift the trophy."

Teenager Lizzie Simmonds also impressed in South Wales as she grabbed a clean sweep in the backstroke with victory in the 50, 100 and 200m.

The nation's leading energy supplier British Gas is the Principal Partner of British Swimming, and have pledged £15m to support the sport at all levels - from paddling pool to podium. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming