Swimming: Home base helps Jemma Lowe go for highs

May 22 2011 Sunday Sun

NORTH EAST flyer Jemma Lowe admits home comforts helped her book her spot at this summer’s World Championships – and now she’s plotting to spring a Shanghai surprise in July.

The 21-year-old from Stockton returned to home shores at the turn of the year, having been previously based in Florida.

And, while she admits leaving the Sunshine State was a difficult decision, Lowe certainly made a splash at the British Gas Championships in March.

Last October, butterfly specialist Lowe grabbed 100m Commonwealth bronze in Delhi, while in Sheffield this spring she clinched 200m silver and 100m bronze to make sure of a spot in Shanghai in the longer distance.

Lowe, who also claimed world short course 200m silver last year, will bid to earn a place in the 100m at June’s British Gas ASA National Championships, but will have her work cut out with five-time European and Commonwealth medallist Fran Halsall doing the same.

However, even if she is unsuccessful, having sampled the atmosphere on the international podium last year, Lowe is determined to make sure she gets to do so again before she plans her Olympic assault on London 2012.

“Obviously I am happy to have qualified for the worlds in the 200m, I was happy with my time because I have been a bit off them over the past couple of years,” said Lowe, who burst onto the global stage by finishing sixth over 100m at the Beijing Olympics.

“I came back from Florida after the Commonwealth Games and that was a really hard decision. Settling down was quite difficult, but I am really happy that I am back in the UK and getting the support from everyone.

“I am really enjoying where I am and working with a new coach and doing well at the Commonwealths, and then the world short course, was great.

“It does give you a lot of confidence and belief in yourself that you can do it at major international competitions.

“My coach really believes in me and believes that I can make the final at the worlds in Shanghai and maybe medal.

“I would really like to get a medal at the worlds – everyone does.”

Lowe’s rise to prominence last year was in stark contrast to fellow North East star Jo Jackson who, despite claiming three relay medals from the European Championships and Commonwealths Games, was once again well short of her best.

Such have been Jackson’s woes, a serious case of asthma late in 2009 led to breathing problems and a cracked rib, it is easy to forget she won Olympic 400m freestyle bronze in 2008 and upset golden girl Rebecca Adlington on the way to double individual world silver a year later.

At March’s British Gas Championships she failed to follow Lowe’s lead in booking a ticket to Shanghai, with double Olympic champion Adlington and Jazmin Carlin securing the two available British spots in the 400m and 800m freestyle.

However, the 200m door is still ajar for Jackson, who joined Lowe at a British Swimming warm-weather training camp, powered by British Gas, in Cyprus earlier this month, and she believes she can force it wide open.

“I definitely think I am getting back to my best,” said Jackson. “I am with a new coach now, Ben Titley. I have been with him since the trials and things have improved so much since then.

“I think that is a mental thing and a physical thing – it is great to have a change and a new perspective on things.

“The past year or so hasn’t been great and the trials in March were a big disappointment for me, but I still have to look at the positives.

“I think the fact that there is still a place in the 200m for the worlds gave me a bit of confidence after the trials even though I was disappointed. It was a little bit disheartening seeing Rebecca and Jazz book both spots for the 400m and 800m, but hopefully I will still get on the team for the worlds.”

l The nation’s leading energy supplier British Gas is the principal partner of British Swimming, and is supporting the sport at all levels, from grass roots to our elite athletes. Visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming