Swimmers battle for Commonwealth glory
Given Australia’s dominance in the pool, it is likely the selection trials will be more competitive than the Commonwealth Games themselves says Swimming Australia CEO Glenn Tasker.
Tasker has announced the 2006 selection trials will be held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, the site for the Commonwealth Games aquatic events, from January 30 to February 4.
It is expected 17 world and Olympic champions will be vying for Commonwealth Games selection including Grant Hackett, Jodie Henry, Libby Lenton, Leisel Jones and Jessicah Schipper.
The meet will also mark Australia’s greatest Olympian, Ian Thorpe’s, return to competitive swimming after a year’s break.
“In some events it will be just as tough to win an Australian Championship as it will be to win the Commonwealth Games,” said Tasker.
“We expect the racing to be as competitive as ever; everyone wants to win a place on this team.
“To compete in front of your home crowd, especially in the sport of swimming will be an honour that none of them will ever forget.
“This is the only chance our swimmers will have to make the Commonwealth Games team it is going to be make or break for them.”
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