Commonwealth Games Swimming Preview - Men's Backstroke

50m Back
1. Liam Tancock - World record holder Tancock should be a class apart in this event.
2. Ashley Delaney - Delaney was in good form at Pan Pacs.
3. Hayden Stoeckel - Could very well take silver as he and Delaney seem to be even heading into Commies.

Wildcard
Gerhard Zandberg - At his best could get close to Tancock but hasn't shown that kind of form this year.

100m Back
1. Liam Tancock - Before Camille Lacourt exploded at Europeans, Tancock was making a case as the world's No.1 on the 50m and 100m Back. It will be fascinating to see how he reacts to the gauntlet thrown down by the Frenchman.
2. Hayden Stoeckel - Swam an impressive 53.61 back in March. Will be looking to get close to, if not break, 53 seconds.
3. Ashley Delaney - Had the upper hand on Stoeckel at Pan Pacs. Similar to the 50m, Stoeckel and Delaney are pretty interchangeable here.

Wildcard
Gareth Kean - Finalist at Pan Pacs, albeit helped greatly by the 2 per nation rule. Born in 1991, should be able to build upon his strong performances at Pan Pacs and Pan Pacs Juniors.


200m Back
1. James Goddard - Got the better of Walker-Hebborn at British trials this year 1:57.06 to 1:57.39.
2. Christopher Walker-Hebborn - Will push Goddard all the way.
3. Gareth Kean - Won Junior Pan Pacs in a time of 1:57.78. One of New Zealand's best medal hopes at these games.

Wildcard
Marco Loughran - Loughran is yet to show his strongest hand in a Long Course metre competition. The Welshman trains in Florida. Can't be bad tihng to swim with Gemma Spofforth and Ryan Lochte.