Jackson steps towards 2012

Jackson: Impressive year

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World and Olympic medallist Jo Jackson believes every competition over the next few years will be a stepping stone for London 2012.

The 23-year-old won bronze in the 400metres freestyle in Beijing last year as Great Britain team-mate Rebecca Adlington claimed the first of her two gold medals.

The Loughborough swimmer is determined to improve further for 2012 and started by setting a new 400m freestyle world record earlier in the year before Federica Pellegrini reclaimed it.

The pair then battled it out at the World Championships in Rome where the Italian became the first woman to dip under four minutes with Jackson in second.

Jackson also claimed silver in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 4x200m relay as well as finishing fourth in the 200m freestyle and on her return to Britain broke the short-course 400m world record.

Stepping stone

The Northallerton swimmer admits 2009 has been a successful year but is refusing to get too carried away as she looks towards the next Olympics.

"We've got quite a few competitions before then but it is in the back of your mind," she said.

"It's in London so it is more special. But each competition is a stepping stone for London.

"Each year we have improved as a team, first Beijing and then this year in

Rome. We are all coming together, we click more.

"Maybe before we never quite delivered. Whether that has anything to do with (being awarded) 2012 I don't know.

"But we are getting there, we are looking forward."

Spurred on

Jackson is hoping the support in London will be similar to that at the Foro Italico, which boasted an overwhelming atmosphere whenever Pellegrini was swimming.

"I remember it being so noisy, more than the Olympics," she continued.

"I think it spurred us on as well (as Pellegrini).

"It is going to be absolutely amazing to be having thousands cheering for us

and know they are there for you and know your family is there."

Before the Olympics in 2012 Jackson must first concentrate on next year's European Championships - where she will once again battle it out with Adlington and Pellegrini.