Japan's double gold-medallist Kosuke Kitajima, has confirmed that he will not be competing at the national championships in April.

The event coincides with the trials for the more significant world long-course championships, in Rome in July.

He confirmed he would not be competing in the Japan Nationals: “I'm not swimming at this time of the year," he said at the 58th Grand Prix of Japan Sport Award in Tokyo on Friday.

Kitajima, 26, is enjoying an extended break from competitive swimming and the future of the double Olympic champion remains in doubt.

Also see:

Kitajima receives 58th GP Award
Dec 16, 2008