Water Polo: Robinson ready for 2012 test (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Water Polo: Robinson ready for 2012 test

4:10pm Wednesday 28th December 2011 in Sport By Patrick O'Kane, Senior News/Sport Reporter

WATER polo star Glen Robinson remains on course to fulfil a lifetime ambition at the London 2012 Olympics.

Robinson, 22, from Mintsfeet Road, Kendal, is spending the season plying his trade in Germany and is currently top scorer for his team, Wurzburg.

The former Queen Katherine School student was part of the GB team which came up against world champions Italy in Manchester, and despite losing to the Italians, Robinson said it was the perfect preparation for next summer’s Games.

He said: “We recently defeated the Netherlands twice and also played Italy.

“We lost the match but our performance against them was really good considering they are the best in the world.

“It was a good experience to be playing against them in the lead up to the Olympics.

Robinson has cemented his spot in the starting seven for Great Britain during the last five years and has travelled overseas to Australia and Romania to improve his game, and last month he was awarded the Lakeland Sportsman of the Year.

In January GB will come up against Russia and Italy in the world league and Robinson will return to Germany to complete his season with Wurzburg.

Robinson said the German season ending in May offered the best timing for his Olympic aims, with squad selection for London due in June.

He added: “Everything is going really well and I am in the starting seven for the team.

“My performances are good in Germany and provided I can keep fit and injury-free I would hope to be a part of the Olympic squad.

“While I am at home I will continue training at the Pride gym in Kendal, where I am allowed to use the facilities for free.

“They have amazing facilities and power plate classes which I have found really beneficial.”