SPEEDO SWIM STARS SET FOR BRITISH GAS DUEL IN THE POOL

30.10.2009

Speedo swimmers will come together when a European select team go head-to-head with the might of the USA at the British Gas Duel in the Pool in December.

The biennial Duel in the Pool is a USA Swimming event designed to showcase the sport’s most exciting swimmers in non-Olympic years and will be co-hosted this year by British Gas and British Swimming.

The British Gas Duel in the Pool will be held at the Manchester Aquatics Centre on 18-19 December and takes on a new format with the USA facing a combined European Select team.

The event provides a unique opportunity for fans to see the world’s greatest swimmers going head-to-head for supremacy in the pool.

Double Olympic Champion and Speedo sponsored Rebecca Adlington believes the opportunity to see so many stars in action in Manchester should not to be missed.

"Following the success of the World Short Course last year, it's great that the British public will have another opportunity to watch a world class swimming event in Manchester this December,” said Adlington.

'It’s been an outstanding year for British Swimming with a best ever medal haul at the World Championships in Rome and it seems only fitting to finish the year on a high with the greatest talent Europe and the USA have to offer going head-to-head.

““To be able to watch the cream from Britain, Italy and Germany race the best of the United States, including Michael Phelps in the UK for the first time, is an amazing opportunity."

The event provides the British public with a first ever opportunity to witness Speedo swimmer Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympic swimmer and one of the greatest Olympians of all time, in action as part of a very strong USA team.

And British Swimming Chief Executive David Sparkes is delighted to see such a high-profile event being staged in Britain.

“The concept of a USA versus a European Select team was first raised during the World Championships in 2005.

“With regular dialogue, a real willingness on both sides and with the support of Speedo, British Gas Daktronics and Manchester City Council, we’re now able to realise these dreams and bring some of the world’s greatest swimmers to Manchester.

“We expect to host a very strong USA team packed full of mega stars. Alongside our own Rebecca Adlington, Liam Tancock, Gemma Spofforth and Jo Jackson, we will also welcome some of Europe’s greatest swimmers to bring to Manchester the best swimming it’s ever seen in a head-to-head challenge.

“What better preparation for all swimmers and spectators alike prior to 2012.”

Both teams will include up to 18 men and 18 women with British Swimming, Germany and Italy sending a team of six men and six women each for the short course (25m) meet.

Spectators wishing to see the likes of Speedo stars Phelps and Adlington in action can buy reserved seating tickets now by visiting www.duelinthepool.com

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