Hickman drops medley

James Hickman has been in impressive form

British swimmer James Hickman has withdrawn from the 200 metres individual medley at the forthcoming Olympic Games to focus on his stronger events, the 100m and 200m butterfly.

City of Leeds star Hickman, one of Team GB's leading medal prospects in Sydney, has pulled out of the medley because of a congested competition schedule.

No replacement will be sought for Hickman as the qualifying time was not met by any other British swimmers.

The 200 metre short course world record holder will also compete in the 4 x 100 metres individual medley relay.

The 1998 Commonwealth gold medallist has impressed in his Olympics build-up in Australia.

On Wednesday in Brisbane he pipped fellow British Olympic hopeful Mark Foster in a 50 metres butterfly event, recording an unofficial personal best.

He said: "I'm very pleased. It is at least as good as my best without ratification. Swimming well at a fun event like this is good. Its pretty much rest for the next two weeks now."