On the heels of the Australian National Open Water Championships and Open Water World Cup, Swimming Australia has revealed its six-strong lineup for this year’s Open Water World Championships in Singapore.
Olympic silver medalist Moesha Johnson heads up the women’s side of the squad, joined by Chelsea Gubecka and rookie Tayla Martin.
Racing stalwart Nick Sloman was named to the men’s roster, along with Kyle Lee and Thomas Raymond.
26-year-old Gubecka’s appointment means she will be competing remarkably at her eighth World Championships, the most for any Australian swimmer in pool and open water.
Johnson and Lee were automatically selected for Singapore as a result of their respective 5k titles in Busselton this past January while the remainder earned their slots based on performances in Egypt last month.
Head coach Fernando Possenti said of the roster announcement, “I am excited by what I saw in Egypt and I am also excited by what this team can do over the next four years.
“I have watched the Australian team develop and grow internationally for the past 12 months and this is a very balanced program that I know can challenge the very best swimmers in the world.
“Moesha (Johnson) and Chelsea (Gubecka) they are very, very smart swimmers; Kyle and Nick are experienced, tough campaigners and the talent coming through is exciting.
“To have two rookies on the team in Tayla (Martin) and Thomas (Raymond) speaks of the depth and we will maintain this momentum.”
Brazilian Olympic coach Possenti has been at his new post since last December. He most notably has worked with 7-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Ana Marcela Cunha.
Of note, this summer’s Open Water World Championships will debut a new event, a senior level 3k knockout sprint for both men and women. The knockout sprint will feature athletes competing in consecutive 1500m; 1000m and 500m knockout rounds with Top 10 finishes from each heat advancing to the next round. Only a short break will separate each race.
Lee, Thomas and Sloman will be part of an Australian contingent that will now attend an altitude camp in Flagstaff, Arizona for three weeks.
Singapore World Championship Athletes:
Women:
Moesha Johnson (Griffith Uni): 10km, 5km, 3km
Chelsea Gubecka (Chandler):10km
Tayla Martin (Carlile): 5km
*Second spot for 3km knockout to be confirmed
Men:
Nick Sloman (Melbourne Vicentre): 10km and 3km
Kyle Lee (North Coast): 10km, 5km, 3km
Thomas Raymond (Noosa): 5km
NOTE: 4x1500m relay: To be confirmed
Singapore World Championship Coaches:
Head coach: Fernando Possenti
Team coach: Ian Mills
Well done to all athletes earning their spot, no easy way to make this team.
I thought the 3k swimmers were being chosen according to 1500 pool times, and with both Australian Champs and Trials coming up you would think to wait for these “current” swims and any PB’s swam at those major events would count for something but it appears the Men’s side of things has already been decided?
Liking the addition of the 3K Knockout.