Duncan Goodhew praises Swimathon impact

Goodhew won a gold medal at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow

Former Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew is encouraging Londoners to get involved with Swimathon 2010.

The world's biggest fundraising swim aims to hit 500 pools across the UK between 16 and 18 April, having raised £30m in its previous 23 years.

Swimathon president Goodhew told BBC London 94.9: "The Swimathon is a brilliant London event. It started here and has taken off over the country."

The majority of the funds will help Marie Curie nurses.

The 53-year-old joined former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon for a dive at The Chelsea Club this week.

There will be 62 pools across the capital hosting Swimathon sessions over the three days of the event.

Goodhew was also keen to stress that swimmers of all levels are welcome to participate.

"People love to have challenges, and it's just regular people who don't have to be brilliant at swimming," he said

He also said he was impressed with the current form of British swimming, and sees a bright future ahead.

"I think its fantastic, what a sudden change we've had," he said.

"It's been long fought-for and long-earned and we can look forward to a great event in 2012."