Selmeci hopes things will improve as new season lifts off

National swimming coach Attila Selmeci was strikingly perturbed when asked to give his views on the 1st Age Group time trial of the new season at Tal-Qroqq on Saturday.

Rather than focusing on the results of this first meeting, the Hungarian spoke about what he described as "a situation which calls for improvement for the benefit of swimming." Selmeci said that the sport deserves great care if progress is to be maintained.

"We cannot aspire to prepare our swimmers adequately if certain things are neglected or perhaps not seen to in the best possible manner," he said.

He was referring to the facilities in the pool and their availability against the background of a complex which he termed as being 'overused'.

"First of all, swimmers cannot be expected to swim in water which doesn't have an optimal ambient temperature," he said. "This has to be between 26 and 27 degrees, but at the moment the level is about 24 degrees.

"This is far from ideal especially when swimmers have to do routine training very early in the morning. The difference may seem minimal, but swimming is a delicate sport which requires meticulous technical attention.

"Lanes should be in good condition even if they are used for training. Unfortunately, some of them are not. A number of broken pool tiles can also constitute some sort of danger for swimmers.

"Moreover, the staff at the complex responsible for routine caretaking work and other duties are not always available. The general state of cleanliness leaves something to be desired.

"Lack of time for training is also hindering the smooth running of the preparatory programme. I am aware that the waterpolo competitions, particularly this year, left little room for the swimming itinerary to be completed at ideal times during the day.

"I have no intention to be negative, but if things do not improve high-level swimming will never be able to make further strides forward," an almost distraught Selmeci added.

"This year marks another high point for the swimmers as the Games for the Small States of Europe are on their ultimate agenda. We want to keep up the good work of last year when the swimmers did better than expected.

"After this first time trial several others are scheduled during the three cycles ending in the June GSSE. Today, it has been a discreet beginning with the best performances coming from Angela Galea whose 2:50.67 in the 200m breaststroke was slightly outside the national record held by Stephanie Schranz."

Other good times were registered by Roberta Callus who clocked 2:16.67 in the 200m free and Kyle Scerri who swam the 50 free and 50 'fly in 27.53 and 30.97 respectively.

Nicky Abela and Bernard Galea also did well when covering the 100 breast in 1:25.10 and the 50 back in 34.06, while Mark Buttigieg swam the 50 breast in 34.28, Lara Callus the 50 back in 34.93 and Davina Mangion the 50 'fly in 32.41.

The second Age Group time trial is scheduled for Saturday, October 26. Swimmers from Neptunes, Sirens and Sliema, besides those of the national squad, made up the bulk of the competitors on Saturday.

Rizzo speculation

In the meantime rumours that Gail Rizzo, the multi record-holder, is contemplating a return to competitive swimming were dismissed as just speculation by the 24-year old girl, now in charge of the Neptunes swimming team.

Rizzo said that she is doing some training "just to keep in trim."

Referring to the situation on swimming, Michael Gialanze, chairman of the ASA Swimming Board, said that the complex at Tal-Qroqq is what there is available for acquatic sports.

"Unfortunately, when things are tight as they are at present, we have to find a modus vivendi in order to accommodate the main disciplines of waterpolo and swimming," Dr Gialanze said.

"This year the exigencies of the national waterpolo team when they participated in the Euro 'B' Championships in August could not be ignored. The domestic competitions had to be put forward until early October.

"The swimming programme was unfortunately slightly affected. Hence the pool facilities had to be stretched to the limit in order to hold swimming training and competitions and at the same time leave adequate space for the waterpolo programme, with training time-tables for the clubs involved."

In a nutshell, if there is proper planning and communication between those representing the main acquatic disciplines a lot of inconveniences can be avoided.

There has to be proper delegation of responsibilities at the complex backed by good standards of maintenance and cleanliness.