Swimming: Welsh ace may quit after Commonwealth Games

DAVID DAVIES admitted next year could be his last in the pool after bringing the curtain down on 2009 at Manchester’s Duel in the Pool.

The 24-year-old joined a host of swimmers from Britain, Italy and Germany for the biennial meet, but could do little to stop United States lifting the inaugural crown 185-78.

Davies kicked off by finishing sixth in the 400m freestyle in a time of 3:47.64min as American Peter Vanderkaay took victory, coming home over 12 seconds quicker.

However, the Barry-born flyer did manage to pick up a point for Europe in the 800m freestyle a day later, finishing third behind winner Federico Colbertaldo in a new British record of 7:36.47min.

But Davies – who claimed Olympic 10km open water silver in Beijing last summer – admitted his time in the pool may come to and end after next year’s Commonwealth Games.

“It was a fun two sessions of swimming in Manchester. It was something new, something different and I think the atmosphere was what we all want in Britain,” said Davies.

“But the big one for me is the Commonwealth Games because that will decide whether I stay in the pool for 2012.

“It is going to be pretty difficult next year with the suits changing to post really good times, but, in terms of how I perform, I have got a good marker in Canadian Ryan Cochrane, who was third in the 1500m freestyle at the Olympics in Beijing.

“If I am too far behind him and I can’t see myself getting a medal in London, it would make sense to drop it and give it my all in the open water because I have got a great opportunity there.”

Davies’ decision to opt out of the open water event in favour of the pool at the World Championships in Rome this summer raised eyebrows.

And, while the Cardiff flyer stands by his Italian decision, he admitted he will have to be smart if he is to upgrade his Olympic open water silver to gold at London 2012.

“I have got to look at things, think about them and be sensible,” he added.

“The four years between Beijing and London are all about one meet and that is a hard thing to prepare for.

“But I have got Olympic bronze and silver and I want to get gold and, without getting too wrapped up in it, I have got to do what is right to hit that target and 2010 will be a pivotal year in deciding what I do.”

British Gas and British Swimming. The nation’s leading energy supplier, British Gas, is the principal partner of British Swimming, supporting the sport at all levels: From paddling pool to podium.