World class swimmers sun down under

All the swimmers on the World Class Podium Programme are currently training out in Australia, seeking an endless summer so that they don't catch winter coughs and colds and can put in a massive block of heavy training. The World Class Podium Programme caters for athletes who are already at, or within two years of reaching, the podium at a World or Olympic level.

One of the swimmers out in Australia is Nova's Rebecca Adlington. Fresh from helping the Nova 4x200m relay squad to a new British record and the fastest time in the world this year, she flew out to Australia for six weeks of training.

Here's what she had to say when our under cover Australian correspondent caught up with her on the beach one day...

"Everyone on the podium programme is here, that's about 30 swimmers. Were all split up into four different training groups. I'm training with Jo Jackson, Becky Cooke, Keri Anne Payne, Cassie Patten, Alan Bircher and Michael Rock. Training is at 3 different pools within easy reach of our base. The pools are Runaway Bay, The Southport School and Somerset College, which are all 50m pools. The pools are all really nice, and have good gyms.

"The weather isn't too great, cloudy and rainy today. It isn't cold though so its not too bad. Were all staying in self catering apartments which are really good, and it means you can cook your own food which can be a good thing.

"When were not swimming we do gym in the morning then sleep and rest in the day. On our sessions off we go shopping, cinema, out of a meal or down to the beach. Everything is great to be honest!