This month’s Japan Open, which got underway today, as well as next week’s Queensland Championships, are both in play as qualification competitions for Australia’s World Championships team.
We published the selection criteria, specifying that a maximum of 20 swimmers could be chosen to represent the green and gold in Doha. However, head coach Rohan Taylor doesn’t believe a squad that large will ultimately be designated.
“We have up to 20 spots we can fill, I don’t think we will get there, I think we will fall short,” Taylor told AAP today.
“But that is because people may not value going there as part of their (Olympic) preparation.” (AAP)
A roster of 38 was sent to this year’s World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan and the nation topped the overall swimming medal count with a hefty 25 medals, including 13 golds. The competition marked the first time since the 2001 edition when a nation other than the U.S. wound up with the most gold medals.
Among the champions was Ariarne Titmus, with the Tasmanian native taking the women’s 400m free in a new World Record of 3:55.38. Titmus, however, is one swimmer who will not seek to defend her title in Doha.
But Taylor sees the value in racing at multiple elite meets in a short period of time.
“Last year, we had worlds and Commonwealth Games, world short course, and Duel in the Pool.
“There were athletes who swam all four competitions — Mollie O’Callaghan did, Kaylee McKeown did, and look where they are at now.
“If it’s valuable to the athlete and coach in getting international exposure, it can actually be an asset. It just really depends on where they are with their experience.” (AAP)
Kyle Chalmers is among the Aussies racing this week at the Japan Open while Cate Campbell, Meg Harris, McKeown, Emma McKeon and Cody Simpson are among the athletes expected to compete at the Queensland Championships.
Told AAP (Australian Associated Press) for the record
williamson went 26.51 to break the australian record in the 50 breast. hodges went 30.31.
also brisbane has been confirmed as the olympic trials host. swimming aus seems to be allergic to hosting trials in sydney, because this makes qld and adelaide the host of 11 of the last 12 trials. but at least its not in melbourne
There was a podcast months ago where one of our swimmers said that they heard trials would be at Chandler.
Sure enough, they were right.
The facility is over 40 years old, though of course has been modernised along the way.
But it isn’t world class anymore for a competition pool, but it is a familiar facility that works well and can still be quite fast.
The times that matter are at La Defense after all.
with only 20 athletes not sure how competitive the relay teams will be, if they will even try to defend some of those World titles from Fukuoka
Relays probably aren’t a priority since they’ve all qualified for Paris.
Would still be nice to retain the women’s 4×1 title.
Love to see Shayna Jack & Meg Harris get individual swims in 50 & 100 & add Mila Jansen & Olivia Wunsch added to relays. The quarter would do well in retaining the 4X1 title.
Titmus isn’t going but Boxall said some of SPW will… SPW has enough depth in free that they could prob field a half decent team