By JON TUXWORTH MOTIV8, the masterminds behind the popular Amazing Race TV show, have played a major role in helping build team unity amongst the Australian Open Water Swimming squad.

No, the squad isn’t racking up frequent flyer points jet-setting around the world, going bungee jumping and genuinely annoying each other like the couples in the Channel Seven show.

Or eating bulls’ testicles or something else equally repugnant.

The squad are merely using the Kawana Aquatic Centre for a camp this week as part of preparations for their inaugural Olympic campaign in Beijing in 2008.

They have found time in between the monotony of swimming down Lake Kawana and lap after lap at the Kawana pool to have some fun, according to coach Greg Towle.

“We have had Motiv8 come into the camp and set up some team building exercises that have been quite entertaining,” he said.

“It’s not jet-setting around the world, but I think the experience has brought the team together very well.”

Fifteen swimmers, a mixture of this year’s World, Pan Pacific and Oceanic championship squads make up what has been described as one of the biggest open water camps ever staged.

Towle said the tasks undertaken by the squad were having the desired effect, helping bring together a diverse squad containing up-and-comers and the veterans of the business.

Some tasks included the use of blindfolds and compasses, where each group had to display strong teamwork skills in order to achieve the set goal.

“We were trying to take the onus away from swimming for a while and place a bit more emphasis on attitude and unity,” Towle said.

“Ensuring their attitude was right and getting them heading towards what we want to achieve at Beijing is what this camp is all about.”

With rumours the open water events at Beijing will take place in a rowing course similar to Lake Kawana, the location could prove a secret weapon for an Australian team boasting strong medals contenders like former world champion Brendan Capell, Shelley Clark and former star ironman Ky Hurst.

“My understanding is that the Olympics may be on a rowing course so it will be good to get used to those conditions,” Towle said.

“The inclusion of the sport in the Olympics is a great boost for these guys. Swimming Australia has really supported them and given them every possible opportunity for success in 2008.”

With reports 1500 metre world record holder Grant Hackett may seek a new challenge and make himself available for the team, Towle admitted he would be a welcome addition should he choose to take that direction.

“Rumours are that Grant has shown an interest in giving open water a try and obviously if he does he is capable of achieving anything,” he said.

“If he decides to take that route we would welcome him with open arms.”