Wilby hopes Games will have a springboard effect

James Wilby is hoping his Commonwealth Games adventure can act as a springboard to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The 24-year-old won a gold medal during his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow four years ago as part of the 4x100m medley relay squad.

James Wilby
  • DOB: 12/11/1993
  • Club: Loughborough University
  • Coach: Dave Hemmings
  • CWG: Won 4x200m Free Relay bronze on debut at Glasgow 2014

And Wilby says the experience he gains from competing on Australia’s Gold Coast can help him hone his technique ahead of the major international events in the next two years.

“The Commonwealth Games is always an enjoyable experience,” said Wilby, who trains at the National Centre in Loughborough.

“Glasgow 2014 was the first international I ever did. It’s always good because it’s known as the friendly games but it will be good to get a bit of experience racing against some good guys.

“It’s a good meet going forward to the Europeans and obviously looking long-term to Tokyo.

“I’m  definitely looking forward to it as a way to refine some international race technique.”

Interesting experience

Wilby competed in the 200m breaststroke at the World Championships in Budapest last year and said he learned a lot from the event.

“The World Championships were an interesting experience for myself,” said Wilby, who became only the fifth English swimmer to break a minute for 100m Breaststroke at the Swim England National Winter Championships in December last year.

“I had a bit of nightmare going into the heats so didn’t make the semi-finals. I definitely learned a lot from that. It was an amazing experience but, next time on the world stage, I’m sure my performance will truly represent where I am.”

Wilby goes to Australia as a current British champion having won gold in the 200m breaststroke final in Edinburgh.

He set an Edinburgh International Meet record with his time of 2.12:02 and said: “I’m pretty happy with how this season is going so far.

“I have had a couple of surprise swims and I’m looking forward to the Commonwealth Games.”

Top