SWIMMING superstar Grant Hackett was joined by politicians, fellow sports stars and a parade of school students today for the official launch of the FINA World Swimming Championships.
Melbourne will again take sport’s centre stage next March when the biggest aquatic event in the world takes over the city.More than 2000 athletes will compete in five disciplines at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and St Kilda beach from March 17-April 1.
Hackett, the most successful athlete in the history of the championships, will be gunning for his fifth straight 1500m crown when he leaps into the spectacular Rod Laver Arena pool.
The Olympic champ said he couldn’t wait to feed off the energy of a raucous home crowd after missing this year’s Commonwealth Games.
“It’s going to be amazing, I just can’t wait to see Rod Laver Arena and what it looks like,” Hackett said.
“Competing in front of a home crowd is something you don’t get to do very often. It’s going to be a great event.
“We’re all very excited about it and we just want to get out there do well.”
Premier Steve Bracks said Melbourne would build on the legacy of the 1956 Olympics and 2006 Commonwealth Games.
“The excitement around the world championships is already building,” Mr Bracks said.
“Not only is it the last major competition before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it also marks a very historic milestone for Melbourne. We will become the first city anywhere in the world to host an Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and FINA World Swimming Championships and that is a great achievement.”
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