Swallow takes world title but lure of London 2012 is still strong

By George Scott, Sportsbeat

GREAT Britain’s Jodie Swallow admitted she’s torn between focusing on London 2012 and stepping up in distance.

POWER OF PERSISTENCE: After so many injury woes, British triathlete Jodie Swallow claims a first ITU world title in the distance event in Perth

Swallow claimed the ITU Long Distance triathlon world title in Perth with a dominant performance - beating Australia's Rebekah Keat by 11 minutes over the 3km swim, 80km bike and 20km run course.

The 28-year old had her funding cut earlier this year after five years of injury hell but insists she has answered her critics in style Down Under.

"I'm probably more disposed to a longer distance than the Olympics distance but London 2012 is the biggest thing that will happen in my lifetime and I just can't miss that," said Swallow, who finished 34th in Athens but missed last year's Beijing Games through injury.

"I'll be doing a couple of ironman races over the winter. I do enjoy it and I'm naturally good at it as well.

"Everything came together really well for me out there, so I couldn't be happier.

"Before the race everyone seemed to be asking me if I could handle the travel and the hot weather but if you prepare well for these races you give yourself every possible chance.

"It was hot out there but I managed a pretty complete performance; I'm very proud of myself."

Swallow - who clocked four hours, seven minutes and 38 seconds in Perth - paid credit to new coach Chris Jones, also the head coach of Triathlon Ireland, for helping her rediscover the form which once made her one of her sport's brightest stars.

"I've had a change of circumstances, a new coach, a new training group and I actually believe I'm on the right track now and it's good to be able to say that," she added.

"I'm going to be training with a group of athletes in Surrey and I have a good feeling about it, because there's a lot of good personalities involved.

"It's changed my programme a little bit but mainly it's about consistency and having trust in someone in a solid environment. It allows me to go away and be confident, like I used to be before my injuries."

American Tim O'Donnell won the men's title in three hours, 48 minutes and 15 seconds, holding off the challenge of French silver medallist Sylvain Sudrie while Denmark's Martin Jensen took bronze. Britain's Paul Ambrose finished fifth.