RussB

Both bits of news are very promising. Dina has been looking more like her old self in the early season … 22.29 is a solid marker in April to be putting down. Curious to see what Amber can do this weekend.

I think very foolish to write off Wiffen but just my personal view he could be one of the stars of the pool in Paris. as for the mixed medley it hinges on the McInnes fly leg on whether GBR can sneak a medal, but it will be challenging. on the 4x100m free, US will be favs (especially if Dressel gets back to peak form - which I don’t think is a given). However GBR had 3 47s and a 48 flat 4th at trials so lots of scope to push those times down to a very competitive relay squad in Paris.

Not having Daniel Wiffen medalling in either the 800 or the 1500 is a bold prediction in my view given what he did the WR in the 800 (short course). Britain will be aiming for 9-10 medals so a return of 4 would be very disappointing. Mens medley and mixed medley fortunes are drastically improved by the progression of Ollie Morgan and Peaty. The 4x100 free team could challenge the US for gold given the level seen at trials.

That’s fair, he looked very ordinary (by his insanely high standards) through the back end of 2023. Still young, as is Matt - I think you’re going to have to go 1 43 in Paris to win.

I think Qin is an absolute beast over 200 when you look at his stroke. Over 100 though I do wonder if he has the capability to get down to a low 57 which I think is what it will take to beat Adam. Either way it’ll be a fascinating race to watch, especially the story behind Adam’s comeback is compelling.

I think from what we have seen over the past 12 months, Popovici should certainly not have the favourite tag for the 200. It’s a very open event, I think I’d want to be with Richards but I’m biased being British. As for the 200 IM. It’s stacked. Duncan getting close to the BR at trials in a very quick time makes me feel confident he is going to show up at the games. i can’t wait, just been notified my tickets for one of the finals nights is in the fan section (which i interpret as being with noisy crazy other fans!) so that should be lots of fun 🤣 ps. britains best chance for an individual win might well actually be Peaty. It’s a 2 man race and depending on Qin’s form it may look like a toss up by the time we get to Paris. Peaty continuing to improve and clocked a 57.9 at British trials. The 200m free by its nature is open so chances of a win can’t get up to 50% I doubt even though we have two bullets to fire!

No individual medal for Duncan Scott would seem unlikely to me. Could see him getting a minor medal in the 200 IM and to be honest he could win the 200 free, him and Matt’s race at trials was phenomenally close.

Man the women’s team is snake bitten. With a fully fit squad they could have really challenged in Paris. The more things progress the more likely it seems that either Gadirova sister will not make it back in time. At least on the socials the recovery of Jess seems to be going well, just don’t think they are targeting Paris.

For the Brits I’d have to agree with my other commentators on: - redgrave’s 5th “‘the Italians are coming!” - men’s 4x 100m - I’m not sure I’ve ever been more pumped watching the Olympics 🤣 - also like the Redmond inclusion for what the spirit of the games is all about id like to throw in a nomination for Jason Kenny in the Kierin Tokyo 2021 - the end of his career, hadn’t really shown any form in the individual sprint and looked like a rather meek goodbye - then in the final against an odds on fav in Harry L, he drifts off the front and isn’t immediately closed down and goes full gas 3 laps out to win by half the straight. Beautiful chaos. I’d also mention Adlington’ 400m free Beijing 2008 when she came from nowhere to win. The US comms didn’t even mention her name until the last 10 metres! GB took 2 medals home from that race with Jo Jackson getting bronze which was a shock.

Matt Hudson smith finishes 3rd in the LSU invitational clocking 45.00. was behind Steven Gardner winning in a 44.4! Toby Harris ran in the same race clocked 46.3 (hopes to make the relay team in Paris).

The lack of a world class fly specialist in both genders sinks us on all of the medley relays which is such a shame with Ollie and Adam being in good form and having Matt/Anna on the back end.

Yes they were very impressive. Managed to get the first 4 all fit and healthy with Sam Redgrave in the boat, and able to move Helen Glover to bow looks to have paid dividends. I have them as favourites in the event. Emma Finucane has the potential to be one of the stars of the games with gold prospects in all 3 sprint events. I’m not convinced Gros can get the better of her or even may struggle against the German duo.

I love the optimism regarding Jimmy somehow getting back to doing a 50 flat split after what we just saw him do at trials… but for once my cup is half empty on this one, I just don’t see it. My hope with Peters was that it looked like he was on an upward trajectory over the past 2 years - continued improvements to Paris would have put us right there especially with a sub 59 female back leg. so yes I believe you now have to go MMFF with Morgan leading off. and yes Medi did so well just to compete given the circumstances, I meant it’s been a surprise her backstroke hasn’t seemed to have kicked on recently.

Even more likely given our male fly swimmer will now have to be Joe or Jimmy. the 100m backstroke for women was one of the disappointing events at trials with respect to times. Really had hoped Lauren and Medi would have been in low 59 form.

Oh what horrible news for Anna - hardly a prediction you can be criticised for!