FRAN HALSALL worked miracles to be heading to this month’s World Championships – but according to six-time world champion Mark Foster, the Southport swimmer shouldn’t be expected to repeat the trick in Shanghai.
Despite swimming just a month after returning to full training following an ankle operation, Halsall still managed to book her place on the plane to the Far East in style at the domestic finals in March.
The Southport flyer ended the week with a pair of gold medals – in the 100m and 50m freestyle – as well as silver in the 100m butterfly.
Halsall has impressive pedigree on the world stage, having claimed 100m freestyle silver two years ago in Rome.
But despite her domestic success, Foster has warned the harsher world of international meets might just show up Halsall’s lack of adequate preparation.
“Fran was amazing at the British Championships and to come back from an ankle injury and to be in such good shape and get her World Championship spot was fantastic,” said Foster, who was speaking on behalf of Lloyds TSB, which is inviting people to nominate someone who has made a difference in their community to carry the Olympic Flame.
“Something like an ankle injury is not a small operation.
“It wasn’t like she was just having keyhole surgery or something minor – it was a big one. And to be in such good shape in Manchester was fantastic.
“I would say though that people shouldn’t expect too much from her at the World Championships because of that operation.
“I am not saying she can’t be back to her best there because of how well she swam in Manchester with a lack of training.
“However I think it is going to be difficult for he to be at her best because in swimming you need a bit longer to get all the body of training back to get yourself into the best possible shape.
“And that’s something that takes time so I think it might be difficult for he to be at her best.”
Despite her lack of preparation, Halsall will be busy in Shanghai, most likely racing in four individual events plus two relays.
But regardless of whether she helps herself to a Chinese medal takeaway or not, Foster – primarily a freestyle sprinter like Halsall – has urged the Merseyside ace not to reach for the panic button.
“Whatever happens with Fran in Shanghai I don’t think that is anything to worry about,” added Foster.
“If she is not challenging in Shanghai it won’t be the end of the world because the Olympics is the biggest thing for her and so there will be no need to panic if she is not at her best.”
To nominate yourself or someone else to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer with Lloyds TSB, visit www.lloydstsb.com/ carrytheflame. Nominations close on September 12. Terms and conditions apply.
