Glasgow 2014: Michael Jamieson’s joy as USA booked

MICHAEL Jamieson has warmly welcomed the latest knock-on benefit of Glasgow hosting next year’s Commonwealth Games – a visit by the best of America’s swimmers in December that will help warm up the water.
Glasgow swimmer Michael Jamieson won silver at London 2012 and cant wait to take on the USA at home in December. Picture: Ian RutherfordGlasgow swimmer Michael Jamieson won silver at London 2012 and cant wait to take on the USA at home in December. Picture: Ian Rutherford
Glasgow swimmer Michael Jamieson won silver at London 2012 and cant wait to take on the USA at home in December. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Jamieson was the only swimmer confirmed yesterday for the “Duel in the Pool”, a biennial clash between USA and Europe that will be televised live by the NBC network.

The early confirmation of Jamieson’s appearance was no surprise given the Glaswegian’s unofficial billing as the face of Glasgow 2014, where the swimming will take place in the refurbished Tollcross pool that will be graced by Ryan Lochte, Missy Franklin and others on December 20 and 21.

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“I watched Duel in the Pool four years ago when it was in Manchester and it looked like a great event so I’m thrilled to be part of the team this time around,” said Jamieson, who won a silver medal in the 200 metres breaststroke at last year’s London Olympics.

“For me it will be special as it’s being held in my home town of Glasgow and it will be a great opportunity to try the newly refurbished pool ahead of the Commonwealth Games next year.

“There’s no doubt it will be a very tough event as the USA are the strongest nation in world swimming but, with an impressive European team and with the backing of a passionate home crowd behind us, we hope to push them all the way.”

With both teams able to select 22 swimmers, the finals- only meet will take place in the 25m pool and Jamieson is sure to be joined in the European team by fellow Scot Hannah Miley, who became world short-course champion in the 400m individual medley last December, and two-time Olympic freestyle finalist Robbie Renwick.

However, with Europe able to field up to four swimmers in each race, other Scots hoping to light up the summer Games may also get the chance to rehearse their lines in front of a noisy home crowd.

Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming’s executive director, said: “USA Swimming is thrilled to continue the long-standing tradition of the Duel in the Pool.

“We look forward to an extremely competitive meet, especially in the duel format, and we’re excited that the competition is moving to Scotland for the first time in its history.”

The first instalment of the made-for-television Duel in the Pool took place 10 years ago when the USA took on traditional powerhouse rivals Australia in Indianapolis.

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Since then the rivalry has drifted with Australia taking on Japan in Canberra in 2009 and the US, who won their three meetings with Australia comfortably, taking on the apparently tougher challenge of a European select. The first two matches have been equally one-sided in favour of the Americans, so Jamieson and friends will be eager to reverse that trend in Glasgow’s east end.

Paul Bush, chief operating officer at Event Scotland, which is part-funding the initiative with British Swimming and Glasgow Life, said: “As we approach 2014, when Scotland will host the Commonwealth Games, it is hugely exciting to be able to confirm an event of this stature for the newly refurbished Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

“The improvements to the venue have enabled us to attract major swimming events like never before, such as Duel in the Pool and the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships. This gives an early indication of the events legacy that we are starting to deliver from the Games.”

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