Oz swimming coach confident of beating England in CWG

October 3rd, 2010 - 1:57 pm ICT by ANI  

New Delhi, Oct 3 (ANI): Australia’s swimming head coach Leigh Nugent is confident of maintaining dominance of his team in the Delhi Commonwealth Games by overcoming the strong challenge posed by the English team.

England’s swimmers have performed well since they surprised at the Beijing Olympics and feel they are on track for a sizeable medal haul at the London Olympics in 2012.

Their duel with the Australians in Delhi will be a highlight of the Commonwealth Games and Nugent believes his team is primed for success.

“Hopefully we live up to performances that we have had at previous Commonwealth Games. ‘We have had a long history of being on top in the swimming but it is probably a challenge to stay there this time. You can’t let your guard down,” he said.

“The competition is pretty tough but I am sure this team can acquit itself very well,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Nugent, as saying.

Leisel Jones, who won three individual gold medals in Melbourne, admitted the Australians would face a difficult challenge repeating their haul of 19 gold, 18 silver and 17 bronze medals from four years ago.

It is certainly not going to be as easy this year as it has been in the past. The Commonwealth Games this year is actually very strong,” Jones said.

Australia’s male swimmers managed only two individual gold medals in Melbourne - both by Matthew Cowdrey - but butterfly specialist Geoff Huegill is confident of a better showing in Delhi. (ANI)

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