Wood relishing 'friendly' Games

Abbie Wood says she can’t wait to enjoy the experience of competing in the ‘friendly Games’ on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Wood, 19, will realise a four-year dream when she takes part in the Commonwealth Games with Team England.

• DOB: 02/03/1999
• Club: Loughborough University
• Coach: Dave Hemmings
• CWG: Making debut at Gold Coast 2018

Wood, who trains at the National Centre in Loughborough, will be hoping she can find the form Down Under that saw her win gold in the women’s 400m individual medley at the European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2015.

Nice competition

“I have wanted to go to a Commonwealth Games since 2014 when I realised it was swimming I could do,” said Wood.

“I went to the World Championships {in Budapest} but when I realised I could be going to a Commonwealth Games in Australia, it was so much more exciting. I think it will push me on to do the best I can. It was a really big target for me.

“There’s a bit of rivalry but it’s nice. It’s nice to give more people the opportunity to swim as there are more teams you can make.

“People say it’s the friendly games and you want to be a part of it as it’s such a nice competition to be in.”