American Paralympic athletes train in London Fields Lido

American Paralympic swimmers are heading to Hackney to take over the London Fields Lido ready to complete their final training before competing at the Games.

While Olympic sportsmen and women enjoy a well-earned rest, the swimmers will be enduring five gruelling sessions over three days to squeeze in some last-minute preparation, before the opening ceremony next Wednesday (August 29).

The pool will be closed to the public from 30 minutes before their sessions, which will take place on Monday, from 3.30-6.30pm, Tuesday, from 7.30-10.30am and 2.30-5.30pm, and Wednesday from 7.30-10.30am and 5-7pm.

Hackney Council’s cabinet member for health, social care and culture, Cllr Jonathan McShane, said their use of the pool is “testament to the quality of the Lido and its facilities”.

Julie O’Neill, of the United States Olympic Committee, said: “We are thrilled to have the use of a venue of this calibre in the lead-up to the 2012 Paralympic Games competition.

“We hope the training support from this facility will translate to seeing many of our athletes on the podium during the Games!”