RESTRICTIVE training opportunities in Holland, created by a growing interest in swimming there, have forced Michelle Smith to contemplate yet another move, this time to either America or Australia, in order to fulfil her long course Olympic preparation programme.
Coach Eric de Bruin will decide on the latest camp site move within the next few days. So it seems that the ghost of primitive Irish facilities, responsible in the first place for Smith being in exile, continues to haunt the Dubliner.
Due to the increasing demands for pool time in the Dortrech area, the vital facility of extended time and use of a private lane, which had been available to Smith before her European triumphs, is no longer possible for more than an hour at a time.
Such an arrangement has already proved highly inconvenient for swimmer and coach who have had to move about to as many as three long course pools within a radius of 20 miles on the one day.
Limited use of underwater camera facilities for the crucially important monitoring of strokes is likely to hasten the departure.
Training for Smith over the next couple of months will largely entail efforts to attain backstroke and breaststroke perfection. She feels that there is room for improvement on both disciplines.
De Bruin is faced with a heavier work load since his appointment as national coach to the Netherland Olympic discus and hammer throwing aspirants last week. The announcement of this appointment confirms that his national association has lifted an alleged drugs related ban imposed on him last year. He still awaits similar action by the world athletics governing body, the IAAF.
The former Dutch Olympian has already devised a programme for the world ranked Irish discus champion Nick Sweeney.
Meanwhile, the Munster Branch of the IASA have taken the enterprising step of naming seven of their top senior competitors, three women and four men, for this weekend's long course British Grand Prix event in Warrington on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
"It's really a case of giving them long course experience," says Eddie Campion. Travelling to the prestigious meet are Linda Crean, Sarah Twomey, Rose Ahern, Dougie Hyde, Eddie Walsh, Ger Mulcahy and Adrian Burke.
The Munster Branch have organised a seminar for teachers and coaches at the University of Limerick next Sunday. Dave McCullough, the IASA director of swimming, will officiate and Campion said: "This is a welcome opportunity for our young coaches that has attracted full interest."
Also on next weekend are the Munster secondary schools championships at Churchfield. Competition is expected to be keen with places in the national finals in Sligo in March on offer.
