Swimming: Snyders says maturing is key

Glenn Snyders. Photo / APN

Glenn Snyders is someone who is looking forward to getting older in the pool.

The Commonwealth Games silver medallist turns 24 during the world championship trials starting tomorrow, and he believes this maturing process and leadership is a key reason for his improved performances.

Snyders has never been short of talent. This country's pre-eminent breaststroker has been a regular part of national elite teams since his first world championships in Montreal six years ago.

Despite stunning performances at home, Snyders often left his best efforts in the training pool, allowing nerves to get the better of him.

Nerves and bravado are not the best results for a breaststroker, where a relaxed calm allows for the best results from a stroke requiring precise technique. Take the Beijing Olympics, where Snyders blew his heat in his favoured 100m breaststroke and turned around to make the final in an unaccustomed 200m where there was no expectation.

He developed a new sense of calm at Delhi, under coach Mark Regan, and Snyders believes it is part of his maturing process.

"It came down to my experience now I am one of the oldest in the Aqua Blacks team. I had to show a lot more maturity and guidance for the younger swimmers coming through. That brings out the best in me and makes me a better person and more professional.

"I still had my moments in Delhi where I got nervous, over-analysed and rushed things. That showed in the 100 but being able to bounce back and get the silver in the 50m showed the improvement."

He and Regan have over-hauled his stroke and technique.

Snyders is excited about the championships but wants to keep his powder dry. "I am exciting to see what I can do. But I want to basically qualify ... Then I want to step up again at the world championships where I would like to make the final. That will give me the experience I need to aim for making the final in London next year."