Hulme sets sights on Commonwealth qualification

IAN HULME admitted his priorities always lay on securing a Commonwealth Games place next month after failing to shine at the British Gas Duel in the Pool in Swansea. 

LOOKING AHEAD: Ian Hulme is concentrating on qualifying for the Commonwealth Games
in October after a disappointing showing in Swansea (Getty Images)

The 25-year-old finished second and fifth in the 100m and 50m butterfly respectively as Britain swept aside Germany to record a convincing 207-109 victory at the weekend.

The swimmer travelled to South Wales with the chance to prove himself on the international stage after a disappointing World Championships in Rome last year where he failed to make it out of the heats.

But despite claiming five points for the triumphant British team, Hulme admits the serious business begins at next month's British Championships and Commonwealth Trials in Sheffield.

"I'm not very happy with how things went out there for me to be honest," he said.

"I felt very tired and heavy so sometimes these things just don't work out how you want them to.

"I'm in very heavy training at the moment and really building towards the Commonwealth trials in Sheffield at the end of next month.

"That is where I need to be at my best and I will taper my training to make sure I'm really fresh for that one."

Meanwhile, Aimee Willmott enhanced her reputation as the next Rebecca Adlington by finishing hot on the heels of the double Olympic champion in Swansea.

The 16-year-old stormed to victory in the 400m medley in 4:44.45 minutes before chasing Adlington all the way home in the 800m freestyle - stopping the clock in 9:46.78 minutes.

"I'm really pleased with how I performed out there and I did pretty much what I came here to do," she said.

"I felt that the things I had been working on in training went well and there were some very encouraging signs."

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.