DOUBLE Olympic medallist David Davies admits the depth of his frustration over the fatigue problems that have forced him to withdraw from the World Championships momentarily made him consider quitting swimming.
The Welshman announced earlier yesterday he would not compete in the 1,500metres freestyle in Shanghai. Following medical advice, he will instead take a six-week break from the sport.
The 26-year-old finally came to the decision last Friday after more than a year of problems which were exacerbated by their unpredictability.
After returning to former coach Dave Haller last summer following three years with Kevin Renshaw in Loughborough, the Cardiff swimmer enjoyed an emotional 1,500m freestyle win at the British Championships in Manchester in March.
However, any hopes Davies had of competing in the open water event at Shanghai evaporated after a disappointing performance in May at the European Open Water Swimming Championships in Israel.
Instead, Tom Allen and Dan Fogg were the two top Britons and qualified for Shanghai.
If they finish in the top 10 there the pair will also qualify for the 2012 Olympics, meaning Davies has little immediate control over his open water participation in London – although he could still qualify in the pool.
Blood tests indicated no problems and instead the sheer lethargy Davies was again experiencing was put down to exhaustion and fatigue. He said: “I didn’t really get over it. It was like papering over the cracks. I made the decision to cut my losses and take a break and hopefully get over it properly.”
He added: “I was thinking enough’s enough. I was on the verge of giving in. But the doctor said it was fixable but you need to be sensible. I thought if I watched it on the telly next year I’d hate it. It’s not to say I’m necessarily going to be there but I have to try to be there.”
Robbie Renwick took the second spot in the 200m freestyle, while Antony James will join Michael Rock in the 100m butterfly. Chris Walker-Hebborn posted the joint sixth fastest time of the year, alongside Michael Phelps, in the 200m backstroke as he joined James Goddard on the team for Shanghai.
