Kitajima wants record
Double Olympic breaststroke champion Kosuke Kitajima is aiming to break the 100m world record at the Olympics in Beijing.
By Paul Higham
Last Updated: 01/08/08 3:36pm
Double Olympic breaststroke champion Kosuke Kitajima is aiming to break the 100m world record at the Olympics in Beijing.
The double gold medallist in Athens is hoping for a repeat performance in Beijing, but is hoping to add a world record to his CV.
Kitajima has already broken American rival Brendan Hansen's 200m breaststroke world record that had stood for two years until June.
Kitajima knocked 0.99 seconds off Hansen's time when swimming 2:07.51 in a domestic meeting, when he wore the new Speedo's LZR Racer suit that has smashed so many world records this year.
Although Hansen has failed to qualify for the Olympic 200m breaststroke through the Olympic trials, he will be involved in the 100m and going all out to claim gold.
Record
Kitajijma though is fully intending to retain his title and is hoping to better Hansen's 59.13 world record mark.
"I have been aiming for a result in the 58 seconds. I want to show a battle at a high level," said Kitajima.
Kitajima and the Japanese swim team had their first taste of the 'Water Cube' in Beijing before heading off to South Korea to continue training.
Kitajima's coach Norimasa Hirai has said that his man has been clocking 'incredible times' during training, but the swimmer himself is staying cool.
The 25-year-old admits though that he is in good shape and preparations are going well for his medal push.
"I am shaping up well," said Kitajima. "I am in my best form for some time.
"I've got the (LZR) swimsuit and I have built up myself accordingly. It is only natural that my times are good."
