James Magnussen doubts he can shave second off his timing for 2012 London Olympics Trials
James Magnussen, who won the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, has expressed doubts on his sub 47.29 seconds effort in the 100m freestyle, at the upcoming trials for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Magnussen’s comment is said to be driven by Russian Coach, Gennadi Touretski, who is trying to nourish the career of Australian comeback king, Ian Thorpe. Gennadi said earlier, that a time less than 48 seconds would be ample to claim the title of the 100m
freestyle at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai, this July.
Magnussen, who earned the title of the 100m freestyle at the Australian Nationals, secured his spot for the 100m freestyle event in the Australian team to compete at the 2011 World Championships. The 20-year-old Magnussen demonstrated his versatile swimming
skills to smash the gold medal from the five-time Australian champion, Eamon Sullivan.
Magnussen clocked a time of 48.29 seconds at the 2011 Australian National Swimming Championships to qualify for the Shanghai Championships. Magnussen’s timing is ranked first among the 2011 early world rankings for the 100m freestyle.
The Australian champion said that he was very confident of posting a time under 48 seconds at the world titles, after his performance at the Australian Championships. James also said that he realises the need to post a time under 47.5 seconds, to conquer
the gold medal in the freestyle event at the 2012 Olympics.
The young Australian said, “I definitely don't see my performance at the trials as a one-off.”
While expressing his concerns to secure a podium finish, Magnussen said, “I think in past years it's been shown that if you're in and around the top five in the world then you're a really strong chance of winning at the Olympics. Outside that, it's a big
step to take, so I want to be there or thereabouts at worlds to set myself up for London.”
Magnussen is now in the spotlight for the World and Olympic titles, as he is the fastest swimmer this year. In addition, Magnussen said that he will try his best to top the podium in his main event, at both the world stages.
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