Natalie ready to take on world
COLCHESTER Phoenix Natalie Jones is planning to bow out at the height of her profession.
But, for the time being, a second consecutive Paralympic gold medal in Beijing is high on her list of priorities.
Jones, 23, has yet to make up her mind whether she will go for a fourth Paralympics in London in 2012 - with the likes of fellow Brits Nyree Lewis and Eleanor Simmonds snapping away at her heels.
Since landing the 200 metres medley gold in Athens, world-record holder Jones - who will compete at th Paralympic World Cup in Manchester this weekend - has remained the best in her discipline on the planet.
And, after seeing Paralympic great Tanni Grey-Thompson call time on her illustrious career 12 months ago in Manchester, Jones wants to bow out at the very top of world swimming.
"I'll never-say-never but I'll make my mind up after the 2010 World Championships," said Jones, who competed in both the Sydney and Athens Paralympics. I don't want to be referred to in London as that swimmer who used to be the best in the world or used to hold the world record.
"I want to choose when I call it a day - I don't want to be swimming the same times in London as I am now and get beaten by fellow Brits and others swimmers from around the world.
pressure
"Eleanor Simmonds is only 13 at the moment so by London she will really be putting me under pressure.
"I admire Tanni Grey-Thompson so much - she was a wonderful athlete and I was disappointed she decided to retire a year before the Beijing Olympics.
"But I admire her for leaving on a high and not heading to Beijing with any regrets."
With no European Championships last year - this summer's Beijing Paralympics represents Jones' first major Games since landing double gold at the Durban World Championships in 2006.
British swimming surpassed its Sydney medal haul in Athens four years ago, finishing second overall in the Paralympic medal table behind the impressive China.
And with Beijing preparations set to be finalised in Manchester, Jones, who worked as a travel agent in Colchester before going full-time as a swimmer in 2004, is hoping to return home from China in September weighed down with silverware.
"The Paralympic World Cup this weekend is so important," added Jones, who will compete in the 200m medley, 100m and 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly in Beijing.
"We don't get many opportunities to compete so Manchester will be invaluable."
The Paralympic World Cup is taking place in Manchester, starting yesterday and running until Sunday.
The swimming events start tomorrow.
Tickets are available on www.paralympicworldcup.com or by phone on 0871 230 5595.
Text WORLDCUP2 to 84880 for more information.
8:37am Thursday 8th May 2008
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