Team GB now has a formidable roster of 28 swimmers to represent them in the Olympics this summer. These athletes will join the 4 pre-selected team members from Great Britain, such as Rio 2016 gold medallist Adam Peaty and double silver medallist Duncan Scott. Scott will compete for a place on the podium in the men’s 100 m freestyle, 200 m freestyle, and 200 m individual medley. Meanwhile, Peaty hopes to become the first British swimmer in history to defend his Olympic title in the men’s 100 m breaststroke.
Among the exciting new additions to the Tokyo line-up looking to make a splash for Britain, is world record holder Molly Renshaw. Renshaw smashed the British record in the women's 200 m breaststroke at the Trials in London last week, securing her a spot on the plane to Japan.
This year’s team faces an uphill task in trying to match the achievements of the 2016 Rio Olympic team, which won Great Britain 6 gold medals and 2 silver medals, the most that Britain has won in over a century. But with swimmers such as Ross Murdoch, who broke the European record in the 100 m breaststroke in the 2017 British Championships, the squad could be set to smash more records for Team GB.
Chris Spice, the Team GB performance director, is optimistic that Team GB will have a very successful Tokyo Games. Spice said, "We had an amazing week of racing at the London Aquatics Centre, which demonstrates the outstanding work coaches and support staff across Britain have done keeping these athletes training to the highest of levels in very challenging circumstances during the last 18 months."
The British Swimming Association can nominate up to 35 athletes for the Olympic Games, so 7 additional swimmers could qualify for the Games from the European Championships or Glasgow International Meet next month, with another chance for selection via Mare Nostrum in late June.
With only a few months to go until the big event, we wish all swimmers from all nations, the best of luck in their final preparations before heading out to Japan.
Click here for more information about swimming at the Summer Olympic Games. Whilst international visitors will be unable to visit Japan to spectate in 2021, swimming fans can also check out the Fina Swimming World Cup which will be touring across 6 international locations from late summer 2021.