Rolff swims into SKINS, World Cup
PORT Macquarie backstroker Ethan Rolff is bracing himself for a few hectic days in the pool.
Rolff, based in Kingscliff, will contest the 2005 Swimming Australia SKINS tomorrow night, as well as the Telstra FINA World Cup meeting this weekend.
The SKINS, the aquatic world’s answer to one-day cricket, kicks off a wonderful three days at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, followed by the Telstra FINA World Cup on Saturday and Sunday.
During that time, Rolff will pit his skills against the likes of Australian champion Matt Welsh, 2005 Montreal silver medallist Randall Bal and 100m world record holder Peter Marshall.
“I’m looking forward to the SKINS,” admitted Rolff, who’ll contest the 50m event.
“In 2004 I placed second, and I finished third behind Aaron Piersol (Olympic gold medallist) last year.
“Those results suggest I like that kind of
format.
“This time around, however, I believe there are a few differences in regards to the SKINS’ style the organisers are adopting.
“But, no matter what happens, the event will give me a good indication of where I’m at.”
Rolff’s workload will increase threefold a day or two later when he takes to the pool in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke at the Telstra FINA World Cup.
“It’s a pretty hot field, so it should be good,” Rolff said.
“Randall (Bal) finished second in the 100
backstroke at the World Championships,
Peter (Marshall) is the world record holder
and Welshy’s (Welsh) achievements are well
documented.
“I’ve trained well and enjoyed a good preparation, so everything seems promising - I recorded a world ranking in the 200m backstroke at a meeting a few weeks ago.
“The Telstra FINA World Cup is a mid-season indicator for all Aussie swimmers.
“We have our respective State Championships in December, then it’s all systems go until the Commonwealth Games trials.
“They are only 11 weeks away.”
And, while on the subject of the Commonwealth Games, the withdrawal of Australian team captain Grant Hackett from the event is a hot topic - from sports commentators and the public to the swimmers’ themselves.
“I can understand where Grant is coming from,” Rolff acknowledges.
“2008 is his goal.
“After 10s of thousands of hours training, it’s bound to take its toll.
“Grant is not only the national leader but a supreme athlete - his withdrawal is a loss.
“He’s an amazing team member - a warrior, an inspiration.”
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