Changes to World Cup Team

CHANGES TO WORLD CUP TEAM Diving Australia wishes to announce that due to two recent occurrences, it has made changes to its previously published team for the 20th FINA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro commencing 19 February 2016. As a result of Matthew Mitcham’s retirement from the sport, he will not contest the Men’s 10m Synchro at the World Cup. James Connor will take his place in this event and partner Domonic Bedggood. James and Domonic competed together at the 2015 World Championships so have recent high-level experience and we are confident that they will do an excellent job for Australia. In the Women’s 10m Synchro event, Taneka Kovchenko and Teju Wiliamson have voluntarily decided to withdraw and suggest that their place in the team be awarded to Brittany Broben and Melissa Wu (who finished second in the World Cup Trials and individually have significant international experience). Their coach, National Coach Michel Larouche, recently raised with them that, in his view, their current form was not of a standard to be confident of gaining a quota place for Australia. Taneka and Teju considered that view and, given the experience of Brittany and Melissa, they felt that Brittany and Melissa might have a better chance to secure a quota spot for Australia. Accordingly, Taneka and Teju decided that they would withdraw. Whilst there are never any guarantees in sport, Taneka and Teju’s selfless decision typifies their integrity and professionalism. The DA Selection Committee has now discussed the decision of Taneka and Teju. As a result of that decision, the Selection Committee have decided to formally add Brittany Broben to the team and to select Brittany and Melissa (already part of the team for individual) for the Women’s 10m Synchro. Following the above, the decision was made that Taneka and Teju will still accompany the Australian Team to the World Cup as reserves. This decision was made as logistics had been finalized and it will provide them with a good opportunity for their athlete development and international experience. Part of the Australian Team departs for Brazil this weekend to link up with US based James Connor for a training camp in Brasilia with the remainder of the Team to depart Australia toward the end of next week. Diving Australia wishes the full Australian Team every success at the World Cup and particularly wishes our Women’s 10m Synchro, Men’s 10m Synchro and Men’s 3m Synchro pairs all the best as they strive to gain the only quota spots currently not secured. Australian Diving Team – 20th FINA Diving World Cup – Rio Olympic Games Test Event Women’s 3m – Maddison Keeney, Esther Qin Men’s 3m – James Connor, Grant Nel Women’s 10m – Melissa Wu, Emily Meaney Men’s 10m – James Connor, Domonic Bedggood Women’s 3m – Esther Qin and Samantha Mills Men’s 3m Synchro – Grant Nel and James Connor Women’s 10m Synchro– Melissa Wu and Brittany Broben Men’s 10m Synchro – Domonic Bedggood and James Connor Travelling Reserves – Taneka Kovchenko, Teju Williamson Coaches – Hui Tong, Chava Sobrino, Michel Larouche Team Manager – Michael Hetherington Team Medical Support – Andrew McGough Technical Official – Gillian Brooker .

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