Cooper steps up Beijing preparations

11:00am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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KIDDERMINSTER swimming star Todd Cooper continued his preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games with some high finishes at the Scottish National Championships.

The 24-year-old, who is based at the University of Stirling, won bronze and silver at Tollcross Park Leisure Centre in Glasgow over the weekend.

The medals will boost Cooper’s confidence as he prepares to fly out to China with the Great Britain team at the end of July.

Cooper won silver in the 50 metre butterfly, setting a time of 24.87 seconds and clinched bronze in the 100m butterfly in 54.77s.

Despite the high finishes Cooper believes he is capable of more and that his best form won’t emerge until he dives into the aquatics centre pool in Beijing in August.

He said: “I was pleased with my placings but not my times and I believe there is a lot more to come from me.

“I am using the last few meetings to make sure I am in the best possible shape for the Games.

“It’s hard going at the moment as I am doing a lot of heavy work so am feeling a bit tired, but I feel I will be in good shape.”

Cooper qualified for the 100m butterfly in China by finishing second at the British Championships in April.