Barcelona-bound trio eyeing experience

The swimmers representing Malta in the World Swimming Championships in Barcelona have left this morning for Spain. They will be accompanied by Hungarian coach Attila Selmeci who, until last June, was in charge of the Maltese national team.

The swimmers are Angela Galea, Roberta Callus and Neil Agius, who will be taking part in this big event on the invitation of the International Swimming Federation (FINA). The world body, in fact, extends automatic invitation to all countries for participation in these championships.

Selmeci, back in Malta on Sunday after stand-in coach Gail Rizzo was forced to quit her duties following an unfortunate incident, said that FINA's invitation to take part in the Championships was an opportunity not to be missed.

"This is a chance for our swimmers to gain experience and I'm sure they will relish this opportunity. I came here unexpectedly to fill the void left by Gail Rizzo, who was following a training schedule I devised prior to my departure last month."

When asked what were our swimmers' prospects regarding peaking again for this big event, Selmeci replied it was too much to expect top performances after they had reached optimal condition for the Games of the Small States of Europe.

"We know they worked for the GSSE and the top condition was reached in the first week in June. This was confirmed when they broke no fewer than eight records.

"Even mentally, it is hard to bring them to top condition. They also had exams to contend with after the GSSE. Nevertheless, we hope they will perform adequately," Selmeci said.

The swimmers, who will be in action on Sunday at the Palau Sant Jordi pool, said they looked forward to doing as well as they could.

Angela Galea, who is entered for 50, 100 and 200 'fly and the 200 IM, said they are focusing on gaining experience through this big-stage event.

Roberta Callus, is written down for the 100, 200, 400 free, and hopes to be able to swim the 800 metres race, while Neil Agius is due to swim in the freestyle events from the 100 to the 800 metres, plus the 100 'fly.

Naturally, all this is dependent on the swimmers' physical and mental frame of mind on the day they are due to race. Otherwise, one hopes the Barcelona World Championships will be a fruitful experience for our three top swimmers.