Swimming: Goodhew insists Gilchrist will be Hungary for success

Olympic swimming gold medallist Duncan Goodhew has challenged Edinburgh's Kris Gilchrist to raise his game at the European Swimming Championships in Budapest next week.

The 26-year-old will compete in the 100m and 200m breaststroke as part of the British Gas GB swimming team.

Goodhew, the 1980 Olympic breaststroke champion, says it's time for the experienced Scot to perform.

Goodhew said: "He needs to do it now really, he's getting old enough to be able to step in there.

"He's grown up in the wake of some great breaststrokers and he'll be feeling that he has a right to be there."

The European Championships are the first of two major championships this year for Gilchrist and his team-mates, with the Commonwealth Games coming up in October.

Although peaking for two events could prove difficult for some, Goodhew believes this will sort the wheat from the chaff.

"The more race competitions these swimmers can get the better.

"These big meets back-to- back challenge them, and the ones that are really tough will show themselves," he said.

Gilchrist won a bronze medal for Scotland in the Commonwealth Games 4x100m medley relay four years ago and is hoping a good performance at the Europeans will set the scene for more glory later on this year.

Breaststroke specialist Michael Jamieson, 22 - who will also compete in Hungary - is another reason for Gilchrist to be on his mettle.

Goodhew added: "He's got Michael Jamieson to push him along. Having more than one is always good news because you're fighting against each other in all the competitions you go to.

"I think both of them have a challenge to get in the medals but it's time for them to step up to the block if they're going to do it, and it will be really exciting if they can."

Britain's swimmers have a hard act to follow if they are to replicate the success of the GB athletics team, who won a record number of medals at the European Championships in Barcelona last month.

Goodhew said: "I would like to think we could match the 19 won in the athletics.

"I think realistically around 15 or 16 will be challenging for us, but it's possible."

n The nation's leading energy supplier British Gas is the Principle Partner of British Swimming, and has pledged 15 million to support the sport at all levels - from paddling pool to podium. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming