New GB recruit reveals 'Pink Thursday' secret to London 2012 glory

By Samantha Colebrooke, Sportsbeat

IN TERMS of Olympic countdowns ‘Pink Thursday' would probably be the last thing you'd expect to hear of in an elite athlete's Olympic preparation schedule.

PRETTY IN PINK: Britsh new recruit Jennifer Knobbs reveals unique countdown method could be the secret to glory at London 2012 Olympics

But that's exactly what's going on in Aldershot as the British synchronised swimming squad, powered by British Gas, keep themselves motivated to launch an assault on the London 2012 podium.

The first Thursday of the month sees the girls arrive at British Synchronised Swimming's High Performance Centre in pink, train in pink and generally enjoy a pink-fuelled day.

But despite their penchant for all things pink Britain's Jennifer Knobbs insists there is serious steel to the squad - one they are hellbent on showing at this summer's World Championships in Shanghai.

The British squad ended the combination team competition in seventh in 2009 in Rome but disappointed in the technical category, finishing 15th.

Knobbs was not a part of the British set up then but is adamant this summer will see them banish their Italian troubles to the history books forever.

"As a team we have a countdown that we have towards London 2012 on the first Thursday of the month called pink Thursday," said Knobbs.

"The whole team wears pink to training, pink swimming costumes and it is just a day when we countdown to London 2012.

"Originally the stands at the synchro swimming venue were going to be pink and that is why we did it.  It's changed now and they are going to be yellow but in a team full of girls we are going to stick with the pink.

"There are only 17 of those Thursdays left between now and London and so it is getting closer.

"But there is a really serious element to the squad despite that because the girls are training so hard and I think we are a team to look out for.

"Before Britain weren't even in the mix at all in terms of synchro but in the last couple of years there have been massive improvements and we are in the judge's minds now."

Knobbs is a relative newcomer to the British ranks having only recently qualified to be part of the set-up.

The 21-year-old was born, raised and has competed for, Canada in the pool but having always held a British passport is now eligible - having spent a year living in the UK - to compete for GB.

And having made the big leap to cross the pond Knobbs is adamant she has made the right choice to join Canadian Biz Price's team.

"This team is the hardest working team I have every worked with. We work together well as a team and everything is looking good for London 2012," added Knobbs.

"It's all about how we are performing as a team and what is important this year is the World Championships.  We are looking to make our way into the top eight if we can.

"In terms of London 2012 it has always been my dream to be part of an Olympics and it would be amazing to be at London."