Rate it!

0 votes

Triple Olympic champion Stephanie Rice blew her nose like a trumpet but reckoned she was 97 per cent fit for next week's World Championships after a lingering cold.

"I am definitely a lot better than a week ago, I was lucky enough to get it a week before the competition," the 200 and 400 metres individual medley winner at last year's Beijing Olympics said.

"I definitely don't think I'm 100 per cent, I'm around 97 per cent. I'm not trying to think where I was before Beijing and where I am now. I'm obviously not ranked as high which takes quite a bit of pressure off me."

The Australian, tissue in hand, said the possibility of having swine flu had crossed her mind when she first fell ill but doctors quickly ruled it out.

While doubts over her health have receded, uncertainty still reigns over her choice of suit for her attempts at a first world title in Monday's 200m individual medley final and the 400 showpiece on August 2.

Australia have a contract with Speedo but the team have been given the freedom to choose one of the new all-polyurethane costumes which have sparked a raft of world records and huge controversy over whether they should be permitted.

"I haven't really completely decided yet," said Rice, who is pondering using the Speedo or ultra-modern Jaked suit.

"I definitely think it will need a world record in both the IMs to win. I'm not too sure if this is the year (for me to win)."

WATCH the World Championship on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521). LIVE coverage starts on Sunday 26th July and continues everyday from 8am; Also available on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe

Reuters