Hackett and team out to dent US
Grant Hackett and his Australian swim team will be out to make “a few dints” when they go head-to-head with the Michael Phelps-led Americans at the Duel in the Pool meet in southern California.
It’s the US vs Australia.
The rest of the world was not invited.
The US swim squad was crowned number one after dominating last week’s world championships in Montreal with a record 32 medals, including 15 gold.
Australia was not far behind with 22 medals, 13 gold, so a dominating performance by the Australians will dampen America’s celebrations.
“We are hoping to put a few dints in them,” Australia’s head coach, Alan Thompson, told AAP.
The Duel in the Pool will create numerous exciting match-ups.
The event is a sellout and will feature the likes of Hackett going head-to-head against Phelps in the 200m freestyle and Leisel Jones out to prove her defeat of Americans Tara Kirk and new world record holder Jessica Hardy in the 100m breaststroke last week in Montreal was not a fluke.
Who races who, however, is top secret with both countries guarding their teams.
They do not have to reveal the names of what swimmers will be competing in what events and even after they do, coaches can switch a swimmer at the last second, turning the event into a human chess game.
The rules of the event restrict any swimmer from racing in more than four events, including relays. Each country can enter three swimmers in a race. Also, adding to the pressure for team officials is there is little break between events.
The winner of each race receives five points for their country, four for second, two for third and one for fourth.
“You have to make sure you choose wisely,” Thompson said of strategies.
“It’s an interesting scenario.”
The relays will be crucial as the winning team receives seven points.
Phelps, after his disastrous performance in the 400m freestyle in Montreal, will likely bypass the event, but will be favourite for the 200m free.
Thompson said Hackett, the star of the Australian team, will have no trouble backing up after his three gold medals in the 400m, 800m and 1,500m free events in Montreal.
The Duel in the Pool, however, will only feature the 400m free.
Thompson virtually dismissed America’s chances of challenging Hackett in the 400m free.
“The 400m free isn’t going to worry us much,” Thompson said.
The Duel in the Pool will be staged at the 2,600 seat outdoor Woollett Aquatic Centre at Irvine, south of Los Angeles.
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