David's ready for Olympic swim (From Barry And District News)

David's ready for Olympic swim

BARRY'S David Davies takes the plunge tomorrow when he represents his country in the Olympic Games.

The town will tune in to watch teenager David line up in Athens against some of the biggest names in swimming.

And his parents Paul and Susan of Cudd-y-Coed are delighted.

Susan said: "We can't put into words how proud we are of David. He started off having swimming lessons in Barry Leisure Centre, so it just goes to show where these things can lead.

"David has no expectations in these games - he'll just do his very best. He always gives 110 percent."

The 19-year-old entered his first international meet when he competed in the 1,500m Freestyle at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002.

He set a new personal best by over 50 seconds.

David said: "I have been utterly focused on making the Olympic team ever since."

Now David is confident as he looks forward to his biggest test yet: "I've done the best work ever. I feel fitter than I've ever been. I'm excited about it, I'm not nervous."

David will face his boyhood hero and world number one, Australian Grant Hackett, favourite to retain his own Olympic title.

David added: "I was 17 when I first raced Hackett at the Commonwealth Games.

"I regard him as one of the best athletes of all time with the best record in the world.

"I'll have nothing to lose when we start racing. I'm 19 and hopefully this won't be my last Olympic experience. I know I've done all the work necessary.

David has been unable to contact his family since entering the Team GB Olympic holding camp in Cyprus, except for sending a few text messages, but it is understood he is undergoing final preparations and is feeling focused.