Simmonds looking forward

Simmonds: Was blown away by rising American star Missy Franklin in Shanghai

A disappointing performance at the World Championships is motivating Lizzie Simmonds towards Olympic glory at London 2012.

The 200 metre backstroke European champion could only finish a lowly seventh in Shanghai in July, as American rising star Missy Franklin blew away the competition.

It was a setback for Simmonds, who also finished seventh in the 100m, but, having now returned to training after a holiday, she has her sights set firmly on March's Great Britain team trials before next summer's Olympics.

"Obviously it was disappointing when you get to the end of the week and you assess it," Simmonds told skysports.com of the World Championships.

"Everybody has disappointing competitions at some point in their career and it is just something that, if you get through it, will make you a better athlete on the other side."
Lizzie Simmonds Quotes of the week

Hype

"But then you move forward from it. I've had a break and now I am just ready to get back into training. I am excited about this year.

"Everybody has disappointing competitions at some point in their career and it is just something that, if you get through it, will make you a better athlete on the other side."

Having already competed at the 2008 Olympics, Simmonds is especially determined by the opportunity of the momentous London Games, which begin in England's capital in 10 months' time.

"You hear people talk about it all the time and, with now getting back into training, it is the last year," she said. "It is a countdown now.

"I think I speak for everyone when I say I am pretty excited about it. In the media, it is already getting hyped up and it is still a year to go. So it is going to be fantastic."

Lizzie Simmonds was hosting one of a series of 16 masterclasses which give the staff of Holiday Inn, official hotel provider to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the chance to learn the basics of an Olympic sport. For more details - www.holidayinn.co.uk