"We are always delighted to welcome the country's top swimmers to Ponds Forge, as well as the next generation of sporting stars, and this occasion is no exception.
Helen Broadbent, General Manager

London 2012 medal hopefuls Rebecca Adlington and Joanne Jackson are among the big names expected in Sheffield this month to clock up official race times ahead of the Olympic swimming qualifiers.

Almost 1,000 swimmers will take part in the City of Derby Long Course Level One Licensed Open Meet at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre on 14 and 15 January.

Times achieved at the meet will count as qualifying times for the 2012 British Gas Swimming Championships in March, which also incorporate the first Olympic trials and will take place at the new London Aquatics Centre ahead of the start of the Games in July.

Both Rebecca and Joanne are expected to take to the water at Ponds Forge in the 100m and 200m freestyle events and will be joined by Liam Tancock, who will take part in the 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke.

Elisabeth Simmonds is also scheduled to appear in the 100m freestyle and 50m and 200m backstroke, whilst Francesca Halsall will swim in the 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly events.

Helen Broadbent, general manager at the Sheffield International Venues (SIV) Ponds Forge, said: "We are always delighted to welcome the country's top swimmers to Ponds Forge, as well as the next generation of sporting stars, and this occasion is no exception.

"This event is bound to be exciting for both participants and spectators, particularly as it is the first event for many of the swimmers in the year of the Olympics Games, which is set to be one of the biggest sporting events ever to come to the UK.

"We wish the competitors the best of luck in their preparations for the 2012 Olympic qualifiers and Games."

For more information about tickets for the City of Derby Long Course Level One Licensed Open Meet visit www.ponds-forge.co.uk or call (0114) 223 3400.