Adelaide replaces Sydney to host the Australian Selection Trials for London Olympics – Swimming News
Adelaide has replaced Sydney to host the Australian Olympic team selection trials for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Swimming Australia publicised the decision, saying that the trials for the Australian team to the London Olympics and Paralympics, will take place at the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SAALC).
This is the first time in the last decade that the Australian Nationals will be held outside the Sydney Aquatic Centre. South Australia has registered a big win over the Sydney Aquatic Centre, by winning the bid of 2012 Australian National Swimming Championships.
The last time the Olympic selection trials were organised in Canberra was in 1992, whereas, Brisbane and Hobart have been organising the Australian nationals during non-Olympic years.
Chief executive to Swimming Australia, Kevin Neil said, “The state of South Australia has invested heavily in the development of a fantastic facility and has shown great foresight and commitment to the development of the sport.”
He said the new SAALC has organised last month’s Australian National Age Group Championships, where more than 1500 competitors participated and gave positive responses about the new facility. Neil also said that Swimming Australia has placed their firm belief
in the capabilities of SAALC management and are hopeful that the event will be another success for the venue.
After 1997, this would be the first major event organised by SAALC and the Australian national stars also seem happy with the new venue. Australian swimmer, Libby Trickett said, “Big news that Olympic trials for us swimmers next year will be in Adelaide.”
The 2012 Olympics trials are considered of great importance, as the Australian comeback King, Ian Thorpe will be there to find his spot in the Australian team to London. Due to the hype of an expected battle between Thorpe and other swimmers for a chance
to compete at the highest level of the sport, these championships are of immense importance.
In addition, Adelaide is also going to host the 2013 Australian Swimming Championships, which will act as a selection platform for the Australian team to the 2013 World Championships.
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