David Roberts has been forced to withdraw from the British Gas Swimming Championships 2012 (Selection Trials). 29 February 2012

Multi-Paralympic Champion Dave Roberts who has been struggling with his health throughout January has been forced to pull out of the British Gas Swimming Championships 2012 (Selection Trials).

Roberts was diagnosed with pneumonia after returning home from a British Swimming training camp in South Africa in January.

The Caerphilly swimmer has been receiving treatment and although is recovering he will not be able to compete at the first part of the Paralympic Trials.

National Performance Director John Atkinson commented: “Dave has had a tough year. He had to miss the IPC European Championships with an arm injury and had successfully got back into full training once that had healed.

“We are supporting Dave in his recovery from pneumonia and our medical team are in regular contact with him. The competition came too soon for him to be back to full fitness. We will continue to support Dave on his road back and we hope to see him at the second trials in April.”

Dave Roberts commented: ‘I am disappointed with having to withdraw from the trials due to ill health but I am very confident with British Swimming’s ongoing support I will be ready to race in the second trials in April.’