No Rhodes leading to Greece for Hollingsworth

MULTIPLE Island Games gold medallist Tom Hollingsworth has pulled out of going to the Rhodes Games this year. The 18-year-old Norwich University student has decided to concentrate on the national championships that will take place a few weeks after this summer's Games.

In Shetland two years ago, Hollingsworth picked up four golds in the 200m and 100 individual medley and the 100 and 50 backstroke.

In the process he also broke the Island Games records in the four events. He is disappointed not to be going this year but says that competing in the National Championships with his City of Norwich Swimming Club comes first.

'I'd like to represent my island but I've got to do the nationals which are two or three weeks after,' he said.

'That's what I'm training for at the moment. The Island Games always come at a funny time for the nationals.

'I wish the team the best and I hope they do well and I'm sure they will.'

Hollingsworth is currently at the British Championships in Manchester. Today sees him take part in the 100 and 200 butterfly events.

Guernsey's Island Games swimming coach Alison Frankland is disappointed that one of her stars will not be joining her in Rhodes but understands his reasons.

'I'm naturally disappointed but you have to remember that Tom is at university and he's training entirely for the nationals,' she said.

'He's been working very hard for it. It's very difficult for a swimmer to peak twice so soon after the Island Games.

'He'll be under a lot of pressure from his coach and I support his decision for not going.'

The Guernsey swimming team will be announced tomorrow and along with Hollinsworth, top island swimmers Gail Strobridge and Ian Powell are also not in the ranks.

The Florida-based Powell is concentrating on the US Nationals while swimming has had to take a back seat for Strobridge who is training to become a doctor.

'We've lost the strength of three strong swimmers but we'll fill the gaps with youngsters and experienced Island Games swimmers,' said Frankland.