Davies keen to make a big splash

original link

David Davies will attempt to add another medal to the Olympic bronze he won in Athens when he competes in the European Short Course Championships next month.

But whatever happens in Vienna, the Welsh teenager has already been tipped for a golden future by Australian swimming great Grant Hackett.

“He can possibly be the best swimmer that’s ever come out of Britain,” said Hackett.

“He is a very talented athlete and works very, very hard.”

Davies shot to prominence by finishing third behind Hackett in Athens.

The 19-year-old from Cardiff slashed 12 seconds off his personal best to win what turned out to be Britain’s second and last medal in the pool.

“It was the greatest day of my life and I’ll never forget it,” Davies told BBC Sport.

“I surprised myself. I didn’t think I’d do anything like that. It was a great feeling and I’d like to re-live that day again.

“But I’ve had to put it behind me and not live off that one performance. It’s back to the work and grind.”

Davies swims 80,000 metres - or 50 miles - a week in his pursuit of success and admits the life of a long-distance swimmer is a lonely one.

But he is dedicated to the cause and says the challenge of taking on Hackett keeps his motivation levels high.

“He was the legend of my event when I was young,” said Davies.

“I remember watching him and thinking I’m never going to get anywhere near him.

“So to swim against him in an Olympic final was something I always wanted to do. It was a surreal experience.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for him. He’s one of the world’s greatest swimmers in any discipline, so for him to be complimentary about me means a lot.

“I’ll do anything I can to beat him. I’ll work hard every day. I want to be the best.

“But I’ve got a really, really hard task. He’s got one of the best world records around.

“It will be a much easier event when he’s retired.”

Unfortunately for Davies, Hackett has no plans to quit just yet and intends to chase a third successive Olympic title at the 2008 Games.

But the Welshman is still relishing another battle with the Australian in Beijing.

“I’d love to go again,” said Davies. “It was one of the greatest dreams of my life.

“It wasn’t just the two weeks I enjoyed; it was the whole build-up to it. It was so exciting training every day.

Winning a medal was great and I feel very fortunate, so I’d love to go to Beijing
David Davies

“Winning a medal was great and I feel very fortunate, so I’d love to go to Beijing.”

First, though, is a trip to Vienna.

Hackett will not be Austria for obvious reasons but standing in the way of Davies and a major title will be Yuri Prilukov.

The Russian finished behind Davies in Athens but won gold at the World Short Course Championships just a few weeks later.

“It will be tough,” said Davies, who won 1500m silver at the 2002 championships.

“There are a lot of good swimmers in Europe. I’ll have stiff competition but I’ll be really up for it.”