The Tollcross International Swimming Center already has a high pedigree, thanks to a superb hosting job of last year’s Commonwealth Games. Located in Glasgow, Scotland, the pool will feature Great Britain’s best next April for the Olympic swimming trials.
Glasgow was picked as the host city over London, where the Olympic pool is located and where the 2012 Olympic Trials took place. The London Aquatics Center will be busy getting ready for the European swimming championships in May, so 2016 will mark the first time in many years that Great Britain’s Olympic Trials will be held outside of England. From 1996 to 2008, Sheffield was the host of the Olympic Trials.
The pool recently hosted the IPC world championships, showcasing the best disabled athletes in the world.
Scotland has seen a lot of success recently in swimming, and the local fans will have plenty of stars to cheer for next spring. Among the top Scottish swimmers with strong chances to make the Olympic team are Hannah Miley, Ross Murdoch, Robbie Renwick and Dan Wallace.
“For me it’s going to bring back lots of great memories as I came up through the ranks at the pool and then experienced the amazing atmosphere it provided at the Commonwealth Games,” said Murdoch.
“I know it’s a great pool and I expect the swimmers will be supported by a passionate crowd who love their swimming. It’s a world class facility which will help the swimmers pursue their Olympic goals.”
Other British athletes expected to headline the Olympic Trials will be world record holder Adam Peaty, distance ace Jazz Carlin and versatile star Siobhan-Marie O’Connor.
The meet will be held April 12-17. That means U.S.-based British athletes who participate in the NCAA championship — such as Joe Patching — will have about two weeks to prepare for the long course competition in Glasgow.