British Swimming Moves Forward to London 2012

Even before the excitement of 3 British swimmers capturing medals in the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim in Beijing, the British Open Water 5K and National Age Groups Championships were held to great fanfare at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham, England. The event also was site to the 2008 British Open Water Grand Prix Final.

Over 150 young swimmers from 24 different counties and Scottish districts took part. Durham's David Proud took the early lead and led the entire race to win the featured 5K in 59:06.

The British Open Water Grand Prix Final is part of the renewed British effort to support age-group and elite swimmers. These efforts ultimately resulted in 6 medals (2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze) at the Beijing Olympics.

The 5K Open Water Grand Prix series includes 5 separate 5K races in July and August with awards of £50 for first, £30 for second, and £20 for third for each sex.

As British Swimming looks forward to the 2012 London Olympics, the organization hired Dennis Pursley as its Head Coach. As one of the world's most world renowned swimming coaches with a love of hard work and distance training, British Swimming looks to be in good hands.