 Davies, Balfour and Tancock go to Beijing with medal hopes |
David Davies, Liam Tancock and Kirsty Balfour have been confirmed as the first draft of Great Britain's swimming squad for this year's Beijing Olympics. The trio had already been pre-selected for the Games after winning medals at the 2007 World Championships.
Wales' Davies, who won bronze in 2004, will again contest the 1500m freestyle and is considering the open water race.
Tancock won two World bronze backstroke medals, while Scot Balfour is the world 200m breaststroke silver medallist.
Davies will compete at his second Olympic Games after launching himself on to the international arena by clinching bronze in the gruelling 1500m four years ago.
Since then the Welshman has collected bronzes at the 2005 and 2007 World Championships as well as becoming Commonwealth champion in 2006.
 | It is absolutely brilliant to make it on to the Olympic team; it really is a dream come true |
"I am really looking forward to the coming months and my previous Games experience will help me to remain calm and focus on the job that needs to be done," said Davies, 22.
"To represent your country at an Olympic Games is the biggest accolade an athlete can have and I feel really honoured to be on the Great Britain team."
Balfour's progression since 2006, when she became the European 200m breaststroke champion, has led to her being rewarded with an Olympic place.
After her breakthrough season, the 24-year-old went on to take 200m breaststroke silver behind Australian world record holder Leisel Jones at the World Championships and the two are set to go head to head in Beijing.
"It is really amazing to be on the Olympic team," stated Balfour.
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"I am happy that I have secured my place and can now just focus on my preparation and my training."
Tancock secured 50m and 100m backstroke bronzes at last year's World Championships but will focus on the 100m and the 200m individual medley as the 50m is not an Olympic event.
He added: "It is absolutely brilliant to make it on to the Olympic team; it really is a dream come true.
"I'm excited to be competing in Beijing as I know it will be a completely different platform from anything I have been to before."
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