SWIMMER George Bovell III has put a great deal of emphasis on strength training.

He is dedicating a significant amount of preparation to this department as he gets ready for the Olympic Games in London next year.

The former Olympic bronze medallist, who was involved in a car accident, explained that there is still work to be done for his body to return to full capabilities.

“I feel good and I am back. I’ve been doing a lot of weight training and things are looking very good. I’ve also gotten involved in various types of high intensity training activities and a lot of gym-work to keep my physical development going. There’s still a little fine-tuning to do but I feel fit, strong and I can say that I’ve recovered from the accident,” stated a relaxed Bovell III. The local swimmer revealed that he has been doing rigorous training to fully develop his swimming abilities.

Bovell III is intent on medalling at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“Today I lifted some 100 pound weights in a couple sets. Probably about four or five times. My strength and endurance is a critical factor for me and it’s what needs to be done. It’s tough but I know this is what I have to do.”

He continued, “I’ve also been playing basketball and doing a lot of running. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I do my weight-training. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays it’s when I do the athletic type of training (basketball, running). These are the critical things that I must overcome to get back to animal mode. I think I’m there already but as I said when it comes to your body, it’s a gradual process.”

Bovell III was pleased with the announcement made by Minister of Finance Winston Dookeran in the national budget that the long-awaited Aquatic Centre will be built.

The swimmer believes the facility will bring major benefits to both local and international athletes. He asserted that this was a positive step in the right direction for the development of swimmers in Trinidad and Tobago.

-Jonathan Ramnanansingh

Source: www.newsday.co.tt