Coventry had cut back on her events this year and had at times not competed in the 100m backstroke race, but would definitely defend her gold medal in the 200m backstroke which she won with a record time of 2.05.24 at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008.
“Kirsty is training for her normal four events, 200m backstroke, 200m IM, 400m IM and 100 backstroke. Her decision as to which events she will be swimming at the Olympics will be made in March 2012, but will compete in her favourite 200m backstroke,” said the swimmer’s management.
Coventry prepares for London Olympics
Kirsty Coventry’s handlers added that her preparations for the Olympic Games are going on very well and she has put some milestones to monitor her progress. “Kirsty still has a long way to go before she is fully prepared but understands it is a process to get back to where she needs to be.”
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Coventry told Standardsport that it would be difficult to defend her gold medal in the 200m backstroke this year as she is getting older. “The competition will be stiff this time, but I will try my best for my country. I am also getting older and younger swimmers are coming through,” said Coventry.
In the 2008 Olympic Games, Coventry won three silver medals and a gold medal in her signature 200m backstroke race to add to the gold, silver and bronze respectively won in 200m backstroke, 100m backstroke and 200m IM won in 2004.
At the recently held All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, Coventry raked in four gold medals in 200m IM, 400m IM, 100m IM and 200m backstroke and as many silver medals in 100m butterfly, 4x100m medley, 4x100m freestyle and 4x 200m freestyle.