MICHAEL Rock has won the biggest race of his life to qualify for the most important meeting of his career.

But with his place on the plane to Beijing already safe, Rock still has unfinished business at the Olympic Trials before competing in next week's FINA world short-course championships at the MEN Arena.

The Stockport Metros star won the British 100 metres butterfly title to secure an Olympic spot, together with club mates Keri-Ann Payne and James Goddard.

Click on the video link on the right to see how the MEN's pool is shaping up for the upcoming FINA World Championships

Competing this weekend in the 200m butterfly, Rock said: "I was nervous but in the right way. It was the biggest and most important race of my life but I was still able to focus on the little things.

"This result has taken a lot of pressure off the 200 metres. And it means I can go to the world championships and swim fast now I know I can."

Manchester University student Rock couldn't better his new British record established on Thursday night but still had too much in the tank for his rivals to win in 52.30 seconds.

Lancastrian Fran Halsall, already qualified in the 50 metres freestyle, beat British record holder Jemma Lowe in the women's 100m butterfly final.

She will also compete in Manchester next week but has still to see the new facility.

Beating her into the water were local youngsters during yesterday's Manchester Schools Gala.

Today it's the turn of soap stars from Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Coronation Street in a special charity relay.

They will be swimming 80 lengths to celebrate the 80th anniversary of swim-wear manufacturer Speedo, raising funds for World Swim against Malaria.

"Everyone should be able to enjoy water for safety, health and fun," said Manchester's five-time world short course champion, James Hickman.

"Swimming can provide an accessible and fun way to raise money to help fight malaria."

Joining the celebs and leading swimmers will be Romiley mum of two, Liz Crabtree.

She won a chance to swim in the new pool courtesy of the MEN.

"I swim three times a week and have also taken part in a few Masters events," said housewife Liz. "But this will top everything."

Former Olympic breaststroke medalist Duncan Goodhew has already taken the plunge in the new pool 26 years after he hung up his goggles.

Indeed, the pool has been named in his honour as part of a world championship tradition.

The 1980 Moscow 100m breaststroke champion, who beat off strong competition, said: "It's a great privilege and nice to know people haven't forgotten me."


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