Swim star Spofforth doesn't want to give up on London 2012 dream

The Slindon star (right) enjoyed a glorious world event two years ago in Rome – capturing the 100m backstroke title in record time and dedicating the victory to her late mother, who died of cancer in 2007.

She hasn’t been the same since, though, and after seeing her title defence end in the heats in Shanghai and her 50m challenge fail in the last 16, she revealed she was seriously considering retirement.

But after time to think, Spofforth is now vowing to redouble her efforts to reclaim No1 status in time for next year’s Olympics – admitting her approach will be all or nothing.

“It was a really big decision for me whether I should do one more year or whether that should be it because this year hasn’t gone to plan and maybe 2009 was my time,” said Spofforth, who has family in West Sussex.

“I’ve decided it’s 100 per-cent commitment from now on and I’m going to go back and not take a break and get ready for next year.

“It was a huge decision to make overnight – a lot of things went into it. I didn’t get much sleep and I cried a lot.

“Next year is the one at home and I’m only going to do it if I really want to do it and if I have one inkling in the next few weeks then I will quit – but right now it’s 100 per cent commitment.”

Spofforth’s bid to retain her 100m crown was dealt a debilitating blow when she suffered food poisoning on the eve of the competition and clocked 1.01.89min to bow out 23rd.

The 50m event saw the European 100m champion make it through to the last 16 only to go out in the semi-finals and admit she’d been a shadow of her former self.

“The food poisoning added to it but it highlighted the things I had already been feeling,” she added. “I’ve talked to my coach and I told him a few things I need from him to get back in.

“He said ‘if you come to me and say ‘I’m not sure whether I want to swim’ then that’s it you’re done.’ You can only really do the sport if you’re 100 per cent invested.”

* British Gas is supporting the British Gas GBR Swimming Team to win more gold medals, as part of its partnership with the sport at all levels. Visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming