Swimming: Games hope Benson will hedge bets

LIVINGSTON swimmer Craig Benson has vowed not to live off false hope this summer after conceding he won't win the race to make Scotland's team for the Commonwealth Games, writes CHRIS COTTRELL.

The 16-year-old breaststroke specialist is currently behind Kris Gilchrist and Michael Jamieson in the pecking order to board the plane to the Delhi showpiece in October.

Benson finished well behind the Scottish seniors at last month's British Gas Championships in Sheffield coming home 25th and 23rd in the 100m and 200m breaststrokes respectively.

In comparison, Gilchrist beat Jamieson to gold in the 100m before the latter turned the tide in 200m leaving Benson realistic about his chances at next months trials in Glasgow.

"Both Kris and Michael swim the breaststroke and they are both really up there," said Benson, who was last month recognised on the Bank of Scotland Local Heroes initiative and given a 1,000 cash boost.

"The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 are the long-term target for me – and that is the one I want to compete at.

"I didn't do too well at the British Championships but it wasn't too bad either. I was just about on my personal best times this year and I haven't set a personal best for a year now and it would be nice to do so.

• LLOYDS TSB Local Heroes is an initiative in partnership with SportsAid providing support and funding to over 270 of Britain's most talented developing athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond. To find out more about Lloyds TSB Local Heroes visit www.lloydstsb.com/localheroes