US Olympians did not beat Team GB to London Fields Lido

Yesterday, Dalston People reported that Team GB had lost out of the use of London Fields Lido in Hackney.

The pool is the capital's only 50-metre heated outdoor pool and gold medallists such as Rebecca Adlington would have been training there.

However, we have now learnt that there was no bidding process and it was a decision made by the team.

Hackney Council informed us that the decision of the British team to use one of the pools at the Olympic Park was not made as a result of interest in the Lido from the American team.

The British team considered the Lido as an option and decided on the Olympic Park as that meets their needs.

Kim Wright, Corporate Director of Community Services, said: "We have spoken to the British and American teams about the use of London Fields Lido as a training venue for the 2012 Games."

"The British team considered the Lido as one option, but decided to use one of the five pools at the Olympic Park. We are now in the final stages of discussions with the American team and if is this is agreed, we will secure maximum benefits to our residents and ensure they can access alternative swimming facilities while the team trains."

They also informed us that other venues which the Council would consider letting teams use, as long as community benefits could be secured, are: Clissold Leisure Centre, Britannia Leisure Centre, Kings Hall Leisure Centre, London Fields Lido, West Reservoir Outdoor Sports Centre, Queensbridge Community Sports Centre.

There is currently no firm interest in any of these venues.