Volume 24. No.3 March 2008

Inside this issue: 2008 Olympics “Water Cube” Your birthright to achieve Supporting Clubs & Members THE OLYMPIC DREAM FocusedFocused onon SelectionSelection TrialsTrials Speedo International Ltd. 2008. Speedo, and Fastskin LZR RACER are registered trademarks of and used under licence from Speedo Holdings B.V. Learn from the best of the best with

Where performance is essential, education is central, is life and the coach holds the key to unlocking the ultimate potential in those around them.

100,000 YEARS OF EVOLUTION, 80 YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT, 22 YEARS TRAINING ascta presents the “Swimming in ” DVD series: AND ALL THAT COUNTS IS THE NEXT... • Ken Wood featuring Jess Schipper in Butterfly • Vince Raleigh featuring in 14 :34.56 • Stephan Widmar featuring Libby Lenton and in Sprint Freestyle • Greg Salter featuring and Ethan Rolfe in speedo.com/time • Michael Bohl featuring in Individual Medley 13 Time World Champion Order your DVD’s by contacting us on +61 3 9556 5854 or go online at www.ascta.com Mentor coaching Buchanan-style

John Buchanan became the Australian Cricket Team coach in 1999 after the retirement of Geoff Marsh and led the team to a number of world records including the highest number of consecutive Test wins (16); the longest number of consecutive wins in World Cup (11); the first team to record 400 in an international ODI (One Day International) game; the highest winning percentage in Test and ODI's of any coach who has coached more than 20 Tests and 50 ODI's (approximately 70% in both).

John is also an academic, with a degree in Human Movements, a teaching diploma and a Master of Arts in Sports Administration from Alberta University in Canada.

"A coach's role is to expand the horizons of the team," John explains. "And that means trying to develop the whole person, not just the cricketer. The same applies in any arena, be it sport, corporate, or life generally."

Mentor coaching Buchanan-style Coaching is about people, relationships and the environment that is provided for the individual and the group or team to grow. He, she, they grow by being stretched; by being taken somewhere where they have never been before. The coach needs to be someone who has a clear picture of where they are going and how they are going to get there; while at the same time cognizant of the fact that they do not exert total control over those who will make the dreams reality.

Hence the mentor coach role is to fill in the spaces between the lines; to convert the theory into practice; to utilize experience as a key tool of education; and to allow the person being coached to be themselves, yet act as an ever present conscience. An example of this is John in a mentoring role with Stephen Waugh and Ricky Ponting. They were the captains of their teams – John was there to guide and challenge them, encourage their vision, their leadership, their team management and their personal lives.

Bill Sweetenham

Few coaches have transcended the world swimming stage like Bill Sweetenham. From an aspiring swimming coach in remote Mt Isa to Olympic glory, Bill has done it all.

In the late 1970’s, while Queensland Director of Coaching, Bill developed a champion squad in Brisbane’s Valley Pool - with the star performer being the legendary . From here the AIS beckoned, with Bill becoming the Head Coach ... and soon after the Head Coach of the Australian Team at the 1988 Olympics. Bill has recently return from a successful stint in the ‘old country’ - charged with raising the standards of British Swimming. With a knowledge of junior development, age group swimming and high performance, second-to- none, Bill was certainly the man for the job.

Bill is in high demand as a speaker, with his presentations to numerous forums, including the USA’s World Clinics, being the keynote.

Julie Zancanaro

A Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Julie is the Director of Hills Swimming and a widely published author in the area of infant aquatics.

Julie has presented at numerous national conferences - both in Australia and New Zealand - and several World Aquatic Babies Conferences. She is always a highlight, bringing forward cutting-edge information in a stimulating manner.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 4 Contents JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN SWIMMING COACHES & TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Volume 24. No.3 – March 2008

FEATURES

10-12 2008 Beijing Olympics “Water Cube” 14-17 Lenton on top of the pops in countdown to Olympic Trials, David Lyall 18-21 Olympic Trials 22-24 Olympic Time Tunnel From 1948 To 2008 25 Australian Olympic Coaches 32-34 Your birthright to achieve Countdown to 36-39 What the public wants, Nicole Jeffery Olympic Trials 52-53 Justin Norris Hanson Sports Media 15 HIGH PERFORMANCE 26-28 Elite Athlete Development 30-31 New Breaststroke 44-45 Hip and Shoulder action during Breaststroke and Butterfly Turns 48-49 Tips on the Backstroke

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

What is next 29 Supporting Clubs & Members 40-41 The Swimming Club Coach in breaststroke? 42-43 From Age Group to Elite, im Rusnak, Splash Magazine Jozsef Nagy Managing Editor 30 46-47 Goldminds – Wayne Goldsmith and Helen Morris DEVELOPING THE SWIM INDUSTRY

54-55 Developing the Swim Industry - Swim Australia 61-62 Frequently Asked Questions REGULARS

4-7 Convention reminder How to stay 8 “From The CEOs Desk” – Dr. Ralph Richards motivated 50-51 Recreational risks Wayne Goldsmith and Helen Morris 56-59 Noticeboard 46 60 Calendar of Events

Views expressed in articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Board of ascta Photography: Acknowledgements to /Dally Carr Images, Hanson Sports Media, Ross Australian Unity – the Gage, Ralph Richards & Justin Norris. new major sponsor ascta Office Contact of Swim Australia 17 Taylor St, Moorabbin, VIC, 3189 PO Box 2175, Moorabbin, VIC, 3189 Ph: +61 3 9556 5854 55 Fax: +61 3 9556 5882 [email protected]

All copy is subject to acceptance by the publisher. All advertisers must ensure that their advertisements comply strictly with the www.ascta.com requirements of all federal legislation. The publisher reserves the right to reject copy without giving any reason or explanation. The Swimming in Australia Publisher, ascta, strongly advises all concerned that any attempts to reprint articles or excerpts from contents is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher and the Author. Any infringements of copyright MARSH – ascta Insurance Brokers 1300 305 575 will be dealt with accordingly. Views expressed in articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Board of ascta Designer: www.dusignbugg.com.au From the CEOs Desk ASCTA Insurance Brokers goal. We try different ways to teach a skill, have thoroughly planned and delivered The swimming insurance experts we repeat a process over and over, we my training program (or lesson plans) never give-up on our pupil – this is what this week as a true professional? (4) I really matters. have challenged those around me (and myself) to achieve excellence every day? There are coaches who may work in (5) I understand that every swimmer (or relative obscurity for many years, they pupil) is unique and I have acknowledged yearn for success, but success is all that fact in the way I coach or teach? To around them if they maintain their belief Why entrust your insurance paraphrase another wise coach, “80% yes in the process. Providing the best possible (i.e. Four out of five) is 100% from where competitive swimming environment isn’t we should be”. always easy, but very few worthwhile requirements to just any broker?

by D r R alph ichards CEO pursuits are ‘easy’. As you read through this issue of ‘Swimming in Australia’ search for your A wise coach once gave me a great Olympic Dreams professional dreams. The Olympic Games piece of advice that helped to shape my is the ultimate event and everyone would The 2008 Australian Open Championships philosophy; any coach or teacher could like to take part. Ask yourself, what does When purchasing a specific product for your will serve as our Olympic selection trials. benefit by applying its’ meaning -- “it For expert it take to get there? Perhaps your dream In this issue we preview the events and doesn’t matter that you’ve told a swimmer business, you don’t just go anywhere. You see is simply to become a better coach (or add a few different perspectives about (or pupil) something 1000 times before teacher) this season, or to make some what it means to compete at the highest – every time you tell them, it should be an expert, who understands your industry. progress along your professional pathway. advice and level. As coaches we often ‘sell’ the as if it were the first time”. We try and Your dream may even be as simple as Olympic dream to our swimmers, when sometimes we may not get the result we picking up one new piece of information. the facts tell us that few among us ever strive for, but we never give up trying. This If you want to live your dream you must be ASCTA Insurance Brokers has been specialising assistance, or reach this goal. I believe that dreams give is the true Olympic spirit. prepared to challenge yourself to be your us hope and the courage to attempt to in the delivery of quality, affordable cover to best, and then strive to be even better. achieve our potential. This is the true spirit In each of my editorials I’ve tried to talk about aspects of our profession – gaining of the Olympics. If a person can honestly A final note – over the past two and a half the swimming industry for over 10 years. to arrange an qualifications, acting with reason and say “I have done everything possible to years ascta has been well served by Ms. respect, and growing professionally. These achieve my best” then they have lived Kaylee George in the position of ‘Projects should be the dreams that swimming their dream. This holds true for us, as and Member Services Coordinator’. We offer a variety of insurance products to obligation-free teachers and swimming coaches seek aquatics professionals (i.e. Teachers and Kaylee has recently moved onward with to achieve – excellence. But achieving Coaches of swimming) – we must also her career, but her contribution to our protect you and your business, including: excellence (i.e. Living your dream) does strive to live our dreams. Association can not be understated. quote, contact not come without great personal effort. During her tenure she took responsibility  Public liability and professional indemnity There are a number of similar experiences for the re-branding of ascta in both form that coaches and teachers share with their The knowledge base in our profession is (i.e. Our change in logo) and function (i.e. insurance swimmers. We all strive to be noticed, to continually expanding, this is reflected in ASCTA Letting everyone know who we are and achieve, and ultimately be selected as one the great efficiencies we’ve made in our what we do through her editorial work on  Cover for business property, contents, loss of the best of the best. Many swimmers teaching methods, training methods, and this magazine). It’s was a pleasure to work will compete at the trials, and many race preparation strategies. We live in an with her -- ‘good luck Kaylee’ and ‘thank due to theft or accidental damage, and Insurance more will compete at lower levels with age where information and communication you’ from the ascta Board of Directors and the same ‘dream’ of making it to the top. are so easily accessible to us. Although much more members. Many will give their best in any situation, there is so much to learn, there are Brokers on and for most of us this will be our only also many support structures available,  Public pool operator’s liability insurance satisfaction. It’s sometimes hard to see, such as ascta. Yet I feel there are too but most of us compete to achieve our few among us who actively seek out and  Mobile swim business or private pools cover 1300 305 575. best. We focus on the process rather than embrace opportunity. Here is a little test an absolute outcome. (answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to each question: (1) I have taken time out this week (perhaps Dr. Ralph Richards There are teachers who will encounter as little as 15-20 minutes) to learn one Chief Executive Officer pupils who may struggle in a learning new technique or fact about swimming situation to the point where you think they performance? (2) this week I have thought will never learn. But the teacher knows about the impact I make upon the lives of This is a general overview of the policies. Please call and ask for a copy of the insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and/or policy wording(s). it’s the process that keeps us motivated those I coach (or teach) and it has made We recommend you read the PDS and policy wording(s) so that you have an understanding of the policy terms, conditions and exclusions before and striving to help our pupil achieve their me reflect upon how I do my job? (3) I you decide whether this policy suits your needs. Australian Swimming Coaches & Teachers Association receives a financial benefit from the sale of this insurance, enabling them to continue to develop and provide further services to their members. Insurance arranged by Marsh Pty Limited (‘Marsh’) ABN 86 004 651 512 AFSL 238983 trading as ASCTA Insurance Brokers – Marsh is not the insurer. SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 8 news news

inconsistent water supply to meet its existing and projected demands. Thus, 2008 Beijing Olympics the Water Cube was designed to save and recycle water, reducing the reliance on local district water supply and sewage “Water Cube” systems. The Water Cube actually acts as a giant greenhouse to allow the building to harness the power of the sun to heat the building and the pool water. The National Aquatics Centre is an ambitious project and benchmarks a new beginning in eco- sensitive design thinking.

Environmentally-intelligent building materials and maintenance According to design requirements, The ‘Water Cube’ and the ‘Birds Nest’ National Stadium. all the steel structures of the centre are covered by cushions made of a modified co-polymer called ethylene- "The two tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), that is actually recreation centre. During the Games structures a kind of plastic having high corrosion the facility will be packed with high-tech signify the resistance and strength over a wide equipment; offering spectators unique temperature range. A single layer of multiple-angle views of the competitions Chinese ETFE pillows line the inner and outer on giant viewing screens. The Water Cube walls of the Water Cube covering an area philosophy of of 100,000 square metres and making was also designed to be an ecologically- it the largest ETFE project in the world. sensitive venue, as its design features harmonious These air pillows create the aesthetic include alternative energy sources – solar, balance" appearance of water bubbles along the geothermal, and wind. There is also an walls of the building. Yet, the walls are eco-friendly waste-water management extremely strong as well as being capable system. Central to the design brief was of withstanding extreme temperature. The sustainability and water conservation. An imaginative design that Water in Northern China is a valuable focuses on water conservation commodity, Beijing often experiences The Beijing Olympic organising committee commissioned design schemes for the

The ‘Water Cube’ as a competition venue. National Aquatics Swimming Centre in January 2003, with the Water Cube being the winning entry. It has been designed by The design concept of the The building appears as a giant on the central axis of Beijing. It contains a consortium consisting of the China State National Aquatics Centre, luminescent bubble; a unique 6,000 permanent and 11,000 temporary Construction Engineering Corporation, seats and its total surface area covers otherwise known as the setting for the competitions of China State Construction International 80,000 square metres. Underneath the “Water Cube”, represents the 2008 Olympic Games in four (Shenzhen) Design Co Ltd, PTW Architects innovative materials used for the ‘skin’ of a state-of-the-art aquatic disciplines: swimming, (Australia), and Ove Arup (Australia). the cube, its structural integrity is upheld application of pool design diving, water polo, and The project is worth over $110 million by 6,500 tons of steel. If placed end-to- and function. The Beijing (US dollars). Most of the construction synchronised swimming. Within end the steel beams would stretch for 90 Olympic pool is already cost came from donations from Chinese these ‘bubbled walls’ some 42 kilometres. The overall structure of the considered something of compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao. Olympic Gold Medals will be building is so strong that if it was stood up an architectural design The semi-transparent ‘cube’ design awarded during the Games. on its end, it would still retain its shape. miracle, using the latest features ‘bubbles’ over its entire surface. technologies in moisture The figures behind the construction of During the Olympic year lead-up the The cube presents a simple contoured prevention, heat radiation, the Water Cube, with its visually striking facility will host several test events. appearance that’s guaranteed to excite cleaning systems and design, are impressive. The Water Cube is Following the Olympic Games, the venue one’s imagination. ventilation. situated inside the Olympic Park, located will be converted into a first-class aquatics

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 10 11 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA asctaNSW Age Group Coaching Seminar news Imagine being membrane is pliable enough to stretch outdoor airflow. The external pillows were compliment to the ‘Birds Nest’ National four times its size. coated with a special inks of various Stadium located nearby. Together they in this kind of densities that will control the transparency form a landmark showpiece for the 2008 Some of the materials used in its of the membrane and disperse sunlight. Beijing Olympic Games. The Birds Nest environment… construction represent technological Despite the fact that the pool is completely is circular and red-hued while the Water The best Swimming Coaches from breakthroughs in light-emitting diodes enclosed, the design of the Water Cube Cube is square and blue; fire and water around Australia focusing on Age (LEDs) as applied to building illumination. will 90 per cent of sunlight into the venue – masculine and feminine. The north- The LED’s used in the building convert so natural light is available up to nine south city axis running through Tiananmen Group Coaching. electric energy directly into light and are hours each day. Square, the Forbidden City, and the Drum Do you coach a 10yr old swimmer? Do you coach a much more environmentally-friendly than and Bell Towers, dissects the two modern 14yr old swimmer? Then this is the most important Special measures have been taken to conventional lighting systems. Compared landmarks. The two structures signify advertisement you have ever read! with fluorescent lamps, for example, fit-out the building with water-saving the Chinese philosophy of harmonious they offer energy savings of 60 per cent, and sewage treatment equipment. For balance. • The best ever coaching line up assembled focusing on Age and they do not contain mercury or emit example, the roof acts as a rain-water Group Swimming! Construction work on the National Aquatic ultraviolet rays. collection surface, saving as much as 10,500 cubic metres of water per year. Center has ended. Workers were busy in Presenters include: early January installing seats and diving The ETFE pillow membrane of the Water This water is then recycled and used to • Alan Thompson (Australian Head Coach), Leigh Nugent (Australian Youth Coach), Bernard Savage (Head of Australian Sports platforms. [Photos: China Photo Press] Cube is self-cleaning with an outer irrigate the land around the venue as well Science for Swimming), Jim Fowlie (NSWIS Head Coach), Paul Penna (Australian Swimming Team Sports psychologist), surface; it will be washed clean by both as for flushing its toilets. John Marsden (NSWIS Strength and Conditioning), Tony Shaw (Australian Swimming Team Coach), Peter Bishop(Australian rain-water and built-in water pumps. The Swimming Team Coach), Chava Sobrino (NSWIS Diving Coach), Rick Curl(USA Swimming team coach) and (Olympic cavities of the inner walls and ceiling A landmark showpiece gold medallist). can be cleaned from top to bottom by The time, effort, and expense that have workmen suspended from scaffolds. gone into the design of the Water Cube Date: 21-22 June 2008 Cooling the building is achieved by reflect the importance of water within the Venue: NSWIS giant exhaust fans and eight air intake Chinese culture. As a natural element, mechanisms installed on the roof that water is calming and inspires happiness. Cost: $100 for 1 day or $175 for 2 days facilitate a balance between indoor and The glittering Water Cube is a perfect Coaches will be receiving information which they can implement directly into their program! Stay tuned for further information at the asctaNSW AGM to be held during the SNSW State Championships on Tuesday 15th Jan 2007. For further information contact Justin Rothwell at [email protected].

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Please Return To: Swimming New South Wales PO Box 571 Markets NSW 2129 Telephone: 02 9763 5833 Facsimile: 02 9763 5699 The ‘Water Cube’ as viewed from the inside. Email: [email protected]

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 12 news news

from five Olympic debutants to a massive 29. The most popular Lenton on top of the pops in opinions fell closer to the middle with 18 per cent of people guessing there will be 12 newcomers and countdown to Olympic Trials 14 per cent suggesting there could be 18.

With the Our respondents were made up Here is a wrap up of the 12 3. who will win the men’s Australian of elite coaches, former Olympic questions we put to the experts. 100m butterfly? Championships – swimmers, media, officials and 1. who will win the women’s 50m Once again only three swimmers are Swimming Selection other prominent members of the freestyle? considered a chance with Andrew Australian swimming scene - and Lauterstein the popular pick, scoring Trials for the Beijing Voters believe this is a race between some of the results proved to be three! Reigning World champion Libby 72 per cent of the poll. Interestingly, 2008 Australian very interesting. Lenton scored 61 per cent of the Matt Targett, who clocked the fastest Olympic Team on time by an Australian in 2007 and yall picks, Commonwealth record holder Overall, 33 per cent of those entered this year with the quickest our doorstep the Cate Campbell snared 35 per cent and that completed the survey were personal best amongst active ASCTA Journal has former National record holder Alice D avid L coaches, 29 per cent were swimmers, polled just 14 per cent, surveyed a cross Mills got the remaining four per cent. by members of the media, a further the same amount as veteran Adam section of the 29 per cent were officials, 2. how many swimmers will make their Pine. Pine is aiming for his third swimming community on SAL staff and other swimming first Olympics? Olympic berth. a number of newsworthy officianados and nine percent This question drew a wide range of 4. will there be any world records topics were former Olympic swimmers. viewpoints with answers stretching broken, if so, by who? Almost half, or 45 per cent, of the voters don’t believe we will see

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 14 15 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA news news

Arnamnart (19 per cent). Ten percent up 9.5 per cent. Votes for Callus or cent. The next most awaited event of voters saw Pine as a successful Hackett indicate some respondents was the men’s 200m freestyle (20 per surprise, while , Hayden thought father time had maybe caught cent), followed by the women’s 200m Stoeckel, Jim Piper, Jono Newton, Dan up with Welsh and Pine. freestyle ( seven per cent) and men’s Smith, Tim LaForest and Chris Wright 100m freestyle (seven per cent). each scored 5 per cent of votes. A 10. Who will win the women’s Other events in the centre of people’s further 10 per cent of those polled 100m butterfly? radar included the women’s 100m didn’t know who would be a surprise. With Lenton tipped by many to be the backstroke, 200m butterfly, 200m star of the meet it is no surprise that backstroke, 400m individual medley, 7. who is likely to be the biggest she is favoured to win this event. Of 100m butterfly and 100m breaststroke female surprise to make the the three swimmers thought to be in (all 4.5per cent). Others wanted to see Olympic Team? contention for the title, Lenton scored the men’s 100 and 200m backstroke An AIS-coached backstroker is also 55 per cent of votes, former World races and the 100m butterfly. expected to be the bolt from the blue champion Jess Schipper picked up 36 on the women’s side of the coin with The ascta Journal and the author would per cent and nabbed 17-year-old grabbing like to thank all of those who took the time nine per cent. 36 per cent of the census. Next most to contribute to this survey. popular pick was Campbell with 16 11. Who will win the men’s per cent, followed by butterfly/IM 100m backstroke? hopeful Sam Hamill (9 per cent). Votes Of all the events surveyed, tipsters were also recorded for predict this to be the closest with ( four per cent), Ellen Fullerton ( Welsh and Ashley Delaney sharing four per cent), Kelly Stubbins ( four equal top billing with 42 per cent per cent), ( four per of the votes each. The only other cent), Marieke Guehrer ( four per swimmer in line for the win according cent) and Ellese Zalewski ( three per to the survey was Arnamnart with 16 cent). Triple Olympic gold medallist per cent. , who has had a well documented, interrupted preparation 12. Which event are you most looking for the meet also scored ( three per forward to seeing? cent). Some of those polled – 13 per Twelve different events featured as cent - thought the women’s side of the the one people would most like to team would be surprise free. see but the clear winner was the clash between Lenton, Henry, Mills, 8. who do you think will be the Campbell and Mel Schlanger in the youngest to make the Olympic Team? women’s 100m freestyle with 34 per Cate Campbell, who will turn 16 on May 20, won exactly 50 per cent of the vote, World Championships relay gold medallist (16 on June 5) scored 38 per cent and Fullerton, who could contend in the IM and middle distance freestyle a world record fall at the Sydney other eight per cent with the record, to win votes included Hackett (7.5per events, finished with three per cent. Olympic Park Aquatic Centre this somewhat surprisingly, expected to cent), (5 per cent) and Nine percent of pollsters weren’t sure time around. The other half of voters come in the 400m freestyle. (5 per cent). who would be the youngest on the thought there will be either one world team. 5. who will be the “star” of the meet? 6. who is likely to be the biggest male record (36 per cent), two (14 per A fairly ambiguous question meant surprise to make the Olympic Team? 9. who do you think will be the oldest cent) or three ( five per cent). voters were able to make their own Twelve months ago AIS based 19- to make the Olympic Team? interpretation of what being the star year-old Bobby Hurley was a promising This answer depended a lot on who Of those that believe there will be a of the meet meant. One thing that middle distance freestyler but since each voter assumed would make the new global mark established, most was clear however was the support switching his focus to backstroke he team. New father Welsh, who will race balloters selected Lenton in the 100m for Lenton. The sprint star garnered a has caught the attention of many a in the Trials at age 31, claimed 45 per freestyle (54 per cent) or massive 52.5 per cent of the votes to good judge. The Vince Raleigh trained cent of the vote, just ahead of Pine in the 100m breaststroke (15 per be well out in front of Jones (10 per teen notched 31per cent of this vote (aged 32) with 36 per cent. The only cent) and 200m breaststroke (23 cent), Campbell (10 per cent) and to lead the way from another teenage other athletes to win votes were Ashley per cent). Grant Hackett earned the (10 per cent). Others backstroker, 18-year-old Daniel Callus and Hackett who each picked

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 16 17 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA news news

The rest: Rachel Goh, Fran Adcock, Jo The breakdown: This race is wide open The rest: Samantha Hamill, , Fargus, Meagen Nay with both Nederpelt and the precocious Amy Smith D’Arcy looked upon as potential Olympic Olympic Trials The breakdown: This promises to be one finalists. Wright, however, is an up-and- The breakdown:Schipper is the world of the races of the week. The 15-year-old comer with plenty of ability and Krogh is record holder and Galvez is already an National record holder (Seebohm) versus one of the most experienced swimmers at Olympic finalist who is on the improve. the 17-year-old rising star (Hocking) the meet. They are a few seconds ahead of the rest Hanson Sports Media’s versus the Commonwealth champion of this field but if anyone can give the big DAVID LYALL breaks (Edington) versus the World Championship WOMEN’S 200M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY two a scare it may be Hamill who split finalist (Zimmer). And there is a quality her more heralded rivals to win the silver down all eight days of Stephanie Rice supporting cast too. Bring it on! The favourite: behind Galvez at last year’s Australian this month’s Telstra The challenger: Shayne Reese Short Course Championships. The rest: , Samantha Hamill, Australian Championships MEN’S 100M BACKSTROKE Lara Carroll, Emily Seebohm, Alicia Coutts, MEN’S 100M FREESTYLE – Swimming Selection The favourite: Matt Welsh Alice Mills, Kristy Morrison Trials for the Beijing 2008 The challenger: Ashley Delaney The favourite: Eamon Sullivan Australian Olympic Team, The rest: Hayden Stoeckel, Daniel The breakdown:Rice possesses one The challengers: Andrew Lauterstein, Matt Arnamnart, Robert Hurley, Ethan Rolff, of the most powerful finishes in world Targett, , Ash Callus previewing all the main swimming, is a genuine The rest: Kyle Richardson, Pat Murphy, prospects in every final shot and looks to be a class above the Kirk Palmer, Cameron Prosser, Leith with Olympic implications. The breakdown:Another intriguing battle. field. Reese, however has experience and Brodie, Andrew Mewing, Tim LaForest, Welsh has the runs on the board – eight a killer last 100m so she will be in it a long Grant Brits consecutive 100m backstroke National way. Carroll was a finalist in this event in DAY 1 titles to be precise (and nine overall) but and is the dark horse. The breakdown:What a race this will be! MEN’S 400M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY he will have a wall of youngsters coming Sullivan will be very hard to stop after he proved in 2007 that he is as good as just The favourites: Adam Lucas, Travis at him including Delaney, the country’s DAY 5 about anyone in the world. The battle for Nederpelt second fastest ever. The surprise could be MEN’S 200M BREASTSTROKE the other individual spot and the relay The challenger: Leith Brodie Watson, the dual Olympian and Sydney The favourite: Brenton Rickard squad positions will be as exciting as The rest: Mitchell Bacon, Nick Cordner, 2000 fourth placegetter. The challengers: Jim Piper, Christian it gets and Australia’s first ever sub-50 Stephen Parkes, Shane Cross DAY 2 Sprenger second final is on the cards. One thing is WOMEN’S 100M BUTTERFLY Barratt deserves her The breakdown:On face value a battle The breakdown: WOMEN’S 100M BREASTSTROKE The rest: Craig Calder, Robert McDonald, for sure amongst the challengers – Monk The favourites: Libby Lenton, Jessicah favouritism courtesy of her historic Luke Trickett will be flying over the last 20 metres and between a pair of 2004 Olympians. Lucas The favourite: Leisel Jones Schipper Commonwealth record in Japan last year, never discount Lauterstein. is the defending title holder and Nederpelt The challengers: Tarnee White, Jade The challenger: Felicity Galvez erasing Tracey Wickham’s 29-year-old The breakdown:Rickard won silver in this was a finalist in the race in Athens. Brodie Edmistone The rest: Danni Miatke, Lara Davenport, mark from the books. She won’t have it event at last year’s World Championships DAY 6 has always had more success over the The rest: Sarah Katsoulis, Sally Foster Ellese Zalewski, Alice Mills all her own way though as MacKenzie, and is Australia’s form breaststroker. 200m but will no doubt keep his rivals Athens Olympian Piper has had a roller- WOMEN’S 200M BREASTSTROKE a four-time National champion in the The breakdown: Jones is a white hot from Western Australia honest. coaster ride in recent years but has the The favourite: Leisel Jones The breakdown: Lenton and Schipper race, and Palmer, are two of the toughest favourite and doesn’t lose. The challenge experience and background to cause an The challengers: Sally Foster, Sarah are the best in the world and will start competitors around. for the second spot will be eye-popping MEN’S 400M FREESTYLE upset. Sprenger is certainly a comer and Katsoulis this race closer to equal favourites than with 26-year-old pair of White, a Sydney Grant Hackett anything is possible. The rest: , Samantha The favourite: any event this meet. The party crasher DAY 3 2000 finalist, and Edmistone, the world Marshall The challenger: Craig Stevens however could be 200m specialist Galvez 50m record holder, both capable of The rest: Nic Sprenger MEN’S 200M FREESTYLE WOMEN’S 200M BUTTERFLY who is close to Australia’s most improved winning an Olympic medal. The breakdown:Jones is the world sprinter. The favourite: Kenrick Monk The favourite: The breakdown:A rejuvenated Hackett is in record holder and is understandably at The challengers: Grant Hackett, Kirk The challengers: Felicity Galvez the form to challenge his personal best of DAY 4 MEN’S 100M BREASTSTROKE Palmer, Andrew Mewing, Pat Murphy 3:42.51 – a time that makes him history’s The rest: Grant Brits, Nic Sprenger, Nick WOMEN’S 200M FREESTYLE The favourite: Brenton Rickard second fastest man behind . Ffrost, Leith Brodie The favourite: Bronte Barratt The challenger: Christian Sprenger He will win. Stevens was a finalist at last The challengers: , Kylie The rest: Jim Piper, Rob McDonald, James The breakdown: Sydneysider Monk, who year’s World Championships so Sprenger Palmer Stacey could be ‘the people’s champion’ at this and others have the challenge ahead. The rest: , Kelly Stubbins, meet, looks to have the runs on the board The breakdown: Rickard has proven Stephanie Rice, Lara Davenport WOMEN’S 400M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY but the cavalry will be in hot pursuit. himself internationally over the last Hackett, who will not swim the event in The breakdown:Barratt is the title holder The favourite: Stephanie Rice two years and is stinging to erase the Beijing regardless of the result, is Hackett. and has the fastest PB of this lot so she The challenger: Jennifer Reilly memory of the 2004 Trials from his Palmer is the new talent with the world will start favourite. MacKenzie has early The rest: Samantha Hamill, Lara Carroll, mind. Sprenger, who has come on in at his feet, while Mewing, Murphy and speed and a never-say-die attitude and Ellen Fullerton leaps and bounds since missing World Sprenger have plenty of experience. Relay Palmer will be coming home like a train. The breakdown: Rice is the Commonwealth Championships qualification last year will spots for Beijing make this race even more The battle for relay spots will be intense record holder and is definitely the one to push him all the way. mouth watering! Expect the entire finals with all prospective finalists in the mix. beat but Reilly is a dual Olympian, was a field under 1.50. finalist at Sydney 2000 and has won this WOMEN’S 400M FREESTYLE MEN’S 200M BUTTERFLY title eight times, including the last two The favourite: Bronte Barratt WOMEN’S 100M BACKSTROKE The favourites: Travis Nederpelt, Nick years. Hamill, the 2007 Junior Pan Pac The challengers: Linda MacKenzie, Kylie The favourite: Emily Seebohm D’Arcy silver medallist is the rising star that will Palmer The challengers: Belinda Hocking, Sophie The challengers: Chris Wright, Josh Krogh be desperate to spring an upset. The rest: Angie Bainbridge Edington, Tay Zimmer The rest: Adam Kable

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Mel Schlanger, Cate Campbell The breakdown:Palmer came on in The breakdown:Lenton is the World The rest: Shayne Reese, Kelly Stubbins, leaps and bounds in 2007, breaking champion and Campbell, 15, is the Sally Foster, , Danni the Commonwealth short course record Commonwealth record holder having Miatke, Lara Davenport, Amelia Evatt- and making the final at the World beaten Lenton at the Japan International Davey, Linda MacKenzie Championships in . She will meet last August. It may come down to take a tonne of stopping here from the experience versus youth. On Lenton’s The breakdown:Lenton has stepped up, likes of Gorman, the Commonwealth side is the fact she has ‘been there, up and away from the field over the last Games silver medallist and MacKenzie the done that’. At her best Mills is as good two years and is entitled to clear outright 2004 National champion. as anyone in the world over this distance favouritism and puts the world record and she is a threat. We know about Henry under mortal threat. Henry is a triple too, while Engelsman was sixth in this Olympic champion and despite some MEN’S 50M FREESTYLE event in Athens. Adding to the pressure well documented issues can never, ever The favourite: Eamon Sullivan and mystique, there could be quite a few be discounted. Mills, who has been The challengers: Ash Callus, Jono Newton big-name swimmers without an individual sub-54, is a fierce competitor and will The rest: Matt Targett, Cameron Prosser, swim in Beijing by the time this one be thereabouts, as will Schlanger. The Tim LaForest arrives. Don’t forget to breathe while you joker in the pack is Campbell who has The breakdown:Sullivan is Australia’s watch this one. shown enough to suggest she could steal fastest man. Ever! It will be a major the thunder from many of her elders. As surprise if he doesn’t win here but MEN’S 1500M FREESTYLE usual, the fight for relay positions will be in this event, one mistake can mean enthralling behind the winner. The favourite: Grant Hackett stunning swim at the low-key Pan Pacific curtains. Callus has a world of experience The challengers: Craig Stevens Invitational last year but Lauterstein DAY 7 and Newton has the advantage of The rest: Travis Nederpelt, Ky Hurst, was just as impressive, winning at both concentrating solely on this event. Targett Cameron Smith WOMEN’S 200M BACKSTROKE the Mare Nostrum and FINA World is the smoky – his personal best sits The favourite: Fran Adcock Cup series’. Pine, at 32, is the most behind those aforementioned but he has The breakdown:This is Australia’s favourite The challengers: Jo Fargus, Meagen Nay, experienced swimmer at the meet, making enormous talent. Hold on to your seat! event and even though Hackett will be way Belinda Hocking his Australian Team debut in 1993, and out on his own in front, people will watch. The rest: Tay Zimmer, Sophie Edington, is a huge chance to qualify for his third DAY 8 The big question is can Hackett get down Karina Leane, Stephanie Williams Olympics here. to near his world record of 14:34.56? WOMEN’S 50M FREESTYLE Stevens should be too good for the rest. The breakdown: Adcock was a semi-finalist WOMEN’S 800M FREESTYLE The favourite(s): Libby Lenton, Cate in Athens and Australia’s best last year. The favourite: Kylie Palmer Campbell Her challengers will come thick and fast The challengers: Melissa Gorman, Linda The challengers: Alice Mills, Jodie Henry, with teenagers Nay and Hocking posting MacKenzie Michelle Engelsman massive improvements in the last 12 The rest: Lorren Sellwood The rest: Sally Foster, Sophie Edington months and Fargus, the Commonwealth champion, the most experienced in the field, determined to earn a second Olympic berth after representing Great Britain in 2000. COWDREY LEADS PARALYMPIC HOPEFULS MEN’S 100M BUTTERFLY The favourite: Matt Targett, Andrew While the meet will be used to select the Swim Team for the Beijing Olympics, Lauterstein unbackable odds to win here. Behind Stoeckel is the defending champion and it will also serve as the selection meet for the 2008 Paralympic Team. The challenger: Adam Pine her the action will be hot between Foster, can’t be forgotten. One thing is certain – The rest: Garth Kates, Sam Ashby, Chris The swimming events at the 2000 Paralympics were a huge hit and the corresponding meet in Athens saw the emergence last year’s runner-up and Katsoulis, who Australia’s representatives in Beijing will Wright of and and the continued rise of Ben Austin. As part of the exclusive ASCTA Journal survey we was third at the 2004 Olympic Trials. be debutants. posed a few questions regarding prospective Paralympic swimmers. Edmistone will be tested at the distance The breakdown:Targett became the but wouldn’t be swimming this if she MEN’S 200M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY third fastest Australian of all-time with a wasn’t a chance. Marshall is the future. The favourite: Leith Brodie Can you name three swimmers The challenger: Adam Lucas who will make the Paralympic Team? MEN’S 200M BACKSTROKE The rest: Stephen Parkes, Mitchell Bacon, The favourite: Ashley Delaney Sam Ashby, Travis Nederpelt Almost three quarters of respondents were able to answer this question and while Cowdrey was just about unanimous there was a huge cross section of athletes nominated.The next most voted swimmer was Peter Leek, followed by Watt, The challengers: Ephraim Hannant, Robert The breakdown:Lucas contested this Austin, Athens bronze medallist and rising star Jacquie Freney. Hurley, Daniel Arnamnart event in Athens, missing the semi-finals The rest: Hayden Stoeckel, Ethan Rolff by a split hair. He has improved since Others to receive nominations included Sam Bramham, , Jeremy Tidy, Samantha Gandolfo, Jay Dohnt, Sarah The breakdown:Hannant finished 2007 but Brodie is the two-time defending Bowen, Daniel Bell, , Michael Anderson and . ranked higher than Delaney but the latter champion and with a blistering freestyle seems to swim a personal best every time finish has Thorpe’s National record firmly Who will break the most he jumps in the water and takes with him in his sights. considerable momentum into this meet. Paralympic World records at the Trials? So too does Hurley who is still learning WOMEN’S 100M FREESTYLE this race but has demonstrated enormous The favourite: Libby Lenton Again Cowdrey led the pole with almost 80 per cent of votes, followed by Leek with 15 per cent and Levy with six per cent potential and could surprise them all. The challengers: Jodie Henry, Alice Mills, – DAVID LYALL

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following questions to Carlile with regards moved to Willisden High School near JR: The Village and the swimming part of to the 1948 Games, Rodgers with respect Wembley Stadium where we were bedded the Games were at USC (the University Olympic Time Tunnel to the 1984 edition, and Thompson with six to a room. of Southern , Los Angeles). We an eye on Beijing. stayed in their dorm rooms and it was fine. JR: We flew directly to Los Angeles and How was the team selected? What then had a six week camp at Stanford AT: The Village is made up of six and nine was the size limit to the team? University near San Francisco which was story buildings and we are getting two six From 1948 To 2008 story blocks. After the Games they will FC: The team was picked just like it is sensational. We stayed at the university now, from the Australian Championships, and trained there and I remember I had be sold as self contained home units and HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED which were in Sydney that year. We picked to look after a lot of different swimmers at have been modelled a lot on the Sydney IN 50 YEARS FROM POST WAR seven men, four women and myself different stages of the camp. Not just four Village, although these appear to have a LONDON TO LOS ANGELES AND as coach and it was the biggest ever or five like you might have to these days. better structure. All-in-all Beijing’s Village BEIJING Australian Olympic Swim Team. Much of One of the things I had to do was get up is supposed to be the best ever and I know the AOC have ensured we have a the funding to get there had to come from and coach Anna McVann (freestyle finalist Like most things in sport, and good position that is close to dining and the swimmers themselves. There was no in 200, 400 and 800m) at 4am because indeed life in general, there transport. support staff what so ever. she didn’t like the hot California sun! have been massive changes in the Olympic Games over time as JR: The team was selected from the AT: Our Team will fly directly from Australia technology and an ever increasing Australian Championships and we had 32 to Kuala Lumpur for a week long staging “We flew in a swimmers and four official coaches. commercialisation of sport takes camp before making our way into Beijing. hold. AT: The team is selected form our sole We will arrive in the Olympic Village plane called Trials in March 2008. We have qualifying about six days before the first swimming This year’s ‘Greatest Show in Sport’ in a Super standards that have been set by FINA competition session. Beijing is expected to be the greatest of and a selection criteria set by Swimming Constellation - them all as China tries to plant itself at Australia. Every first or second placed What was the Olympic village like the front of the conscience of every nation swimmer that goes under FINA’s ‘A’ / do you expect it to be like? and it took four around the globe, particularly those in the qualifying standard will be selected and I FC: There wasn’t really a village as such. western world. days with three expect a team of around 42-45. I guess the Airforce Base at Richmond Reports coming out of China are that was similar but it was just too far and so sleepovers in everything will be bigger and better How did you travel to the Games? we remained at the Willisden High School Were there any ‘staging’ or pre- Singapore, Karachi than anything we have seen before at all the way through the competition. All Games camps? an Olympic Games so it seems like an crammed into a few rooms and the post and Cairo,” FC: The team had its first team camp opportune time to see where the Games war time food was not very good either. (London, 1948). have come from. during June in Melbourne because there were no 50 metre pools open during the winter in Queensland or NSW. We “Sydney was the trained at the Richmond baths which were heated with wood chips! It was the best pool the first time a coach had been sent with an Australian team anywhere and I was put Olympics have on the team because I was an Amateur. been held in and Not until 1964 with and Don Talbot were professional coaches sent I expect Beijing’s London Games, way back in 1948, where his charges he was not part of the official with an Australian team. We were the first ‘Water Cube’ to he was the Australian Team’s coach. Australian coaching delegation. until the Australian Olympic team to travel to the 1984 Los Angeles Games where he had Games by air! We flew in a plane called Carlile went onto represent Australia at rival it,” has several swimmers on the team. a Super Constellation - and it took four the 1952 Games in Helsinki as an athlete Alan Thompson (Beijing, 2008). days with three sleepovers in Singapore, – the only Australian to ever coach at the Thompson is another with vast Olympic Karachi and Cairo. We came home by Olympics before he competed. experience, viewing the Atlanta Games ship, the Strathaird. Once we arrived in DAVID LYALL sat down with master coach in 1996 as a spectator; the Sydney 2000 London we had a two week camp and Forbes Carlile, 1984 Olympic coach John Carlile has since attended many Olympic version as the Australian Swim Team’s we trained in the Wembley pool where Rodgers and 2008 Olympic head coach Games’, some as a broadcaster for the Manager and the Athens Olympiad as the Games were held. We swam one Alan Thompson to look back at the way ABC and in 1964 as a coach for the day at Brighton Beach where the water things were, and in Thompson’s case, the Netherlands. a personal coach. This year he will lead was around ten degrees. The team was way he expects things to be this August. the Australians into battle as the National Rodgers was on pool deck with his own Head Coach. first billeted in Richmond Park Airforce Carlile, 86, the….. doyen of the Australian swimmers in 1972, 1976 and 1980 Base but this being more than one hour For the purpose of this article, to show 1948 Australian Olympic Swimming / Diving Team (photo) Swim Coaches and Teachers movement, and while he attended the pre-Games by public bus through London traffic we Left to right back row: Kevin Hallett, Warren Boyd, Bruce Bourke, , Garrick Agnew, Forbes Carlile (Coach) had his first Olympic experience at the camps and warmed-up and instructed how times have changed, we put the complained enough to have the swimmers Left to right front row: David Norris (Diver), Margie McQuade, Denise Spencer, Judy Joy Davies, Nancy Lyons,

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What was the pool like / do you get them. We are certainly provided with expect it to be like? Were the everything we need! support facilities impressive (e.g. – warm up pool, athlete Australian Olympic Coaches seating, support areas)? “I remember Bill FC: It was good covered pool with a diving Sweetenham Although coaches have always II) that Australian coaches have tower going right into the middle. It was worked tirelessly to help their officially been part of our Olympic more of an exhibition pool and was closed washed his red swimmers achieve success, they Swimming Teams. not long after the Games. We had some have not always been recognised seating around the side but it was nothing underpants with The honour of being our first ‘official’ like what we see today. for their efforts. From the very Australian Olympic Team coach goes to Terry Buck’s white Forbes Carlile at the 1948 London Olympic The competition was USC’s outdoor first Olympic Games, Australian JR: Games. In recent years the success of our pool and it was nothing out of the ordinary shirts and they swimmers have been prepared swimmers and the increase in team size except all of the teams sat at the start / changed colour. and supported by their coaches. and budget has allowed the appointment finish end of the pool and the atmosphere However, it has only been in the of much larger coaching staffs. was awesome, especially because the It was pretty ‘modern era’ (i.e. post World War Yanks were on fire. They built an outdoor funny to watch 50m pre-fab pool next to the competition pool and separated by a simple partition, Bucky chasing Bill Honour List of Australia’s Olympic Swimming Team Coaches (listed in alphabetical order within each Olympic Team) for warm ups and training which was great looking to improve on the past and draw 1948 London Olympics because the weather was unreal. There around,” closer to the Americans. The last three Forbes Carlile was also a 25m training pool that was John Rodgers (Los Angeles, 1984). years show we are building towards 1952 Helsinki Olympics virtually underground and we called it ‘The achieving that. Sidney Grange Dungeon’. It had plaques of all USC’s most Briefly describe the Did any individual performance 1956 Melbourne Olympics famous swimmers around it and there performance of the Australian standout on the Swim program? Forbes Carlile Harry Gallagher Frank Guthrie Sam Herford Bill Holland were a heap of Murray Rose. Swim Team / your expectations of FC: No single performance really stood 1960 Rome Olympics AT: Sydney was the best pool the Olympics the Australian Swim Team? out but I remember we were a long way Historical Note:In 1960 the Australian Swimming Union selected no coach on the Team, although the coaches of individuals who had have been held in and I expect Beijing’s FC: Medals were won by John Marshall behind the Americans. What stands out ‘Water Cube’ to rival it. The pool has been been training the squad in Townsville prior to there departure were: Sam Herford, Frank Guthrie, Harry Gallagher and Forbes Carlile (silver in the 1500m and bronze in the now is how far we have come forward very well set out both architecturally and 1964 Tokyo Olympics 400m), Beatrice ‘Nancy’ Lyons (silver in since that time. aesthetically, it’s great. There is substantial the 200m breaststroke by a touch) and Terry Gathercole Don Talbot Team seating at the turn end of the JR: Jono (Sieben) was the highlight for Judy Joy Davies (bronze in the 100m 1968 Mexico City Olympics pool, the warm up pool looks more than sure. He was really only a little boy against backstroke). John Davies was a very close Harry Gallagher comfortable and there is plenty of room for men and he won against Michael (Gross) fourth and given a faster time than the support staff. There is also limited walking and Pablo (Morales) and all these big 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medallist in the 200m backstroke and steps for the athletes to deal with. men. Ursula Carlile Don Talbot - it was the days before touch pads! It was Do you have one lasting memory 1976 Montreal Olympics What was the Australian Team a good result for the team after we had uniform like / do you expect it to of the Games? Terry Buck Terry Gathercole only one solitary finalist at the last Games be like? It would have to be all the travel that 1980 Moscow Olympics in 1936 and only three finalists, including FC: we had to do to get there and then once FC: We received Team blazers and a John Davies’ gold in 1952. Bill Sweetenham we were there, just to get around. It was horrible type of woollen tracksuit. 1984 Los Angeles Olympics JR: The blokes on the team swam like a all by public transport; even on the days Terry Buck Joe King John Rodgers JR: The one thing I remember was that storm. Jono Sieben won the 200 ‘fly and we raced we caught a public bus to the we had a bright yellow blazer with the we got a heap of silver and bronze (three pool! It was very different to now. London 1998 Seoul Olympics Olympic rings on the pocket – I’ve still silver and five bronze). I remember Mark showed many signs of bomb damage Paul Hardman Laurie Lawrence Ralph Richards Bill Sweetenham got it. We certainly didn’t get what they Stockwell, who I had a lot to do with, from the war, there was nothing around St 1992 Barcelona Olympics get on teams these days. I remember Bill finishing second in the 100m freestyle. Paul’s Cathedral except rubble. Michael Bohl John Carew Terry Gathercole Joe King Laurie Lawrence Bill Nelson Sweetenham washed his red underpants It was a very controversial race because JR: I do and it’s not the usual sort of Scott Volkers Bernie Wakefield with Terry Buck’s, white shirts and they the starter just called ‘take your marks memory. After the meet, Rowdy Gaines, changed colour. It was pretty funny for and fired the gun’ and Stockwell wasn’t 1996 Atlanta Olympics who had won the 100m freestyle and everyone else to watch Bucky chasing Bill even halfway down. The ‘Mean Machine’ two relay gold, came up to me and Glenn Beringen John Carew Jim Fowlie Paul Hardman Bill Nelson Mark Regan around. also won silver in the 4x100m freestyle. congratulated me and thanked me for Brian Sutton Don Talbot Scott Volkers Brian Wilkinson We didn’t do as well in the girls that year AT: As usual the uniform will be kept helping Mark Stockwell provide him with 2000 Sydney Olympics but Karen Phillips and won under wraps until closer to the Games but such a great race. He said he had heard John Carew Denis Cotterell Doug Frost Ian Pope Mark Regan Greg Salter silvers and got a bronze. I am sure it will be of a very good quality, of Mark and I in the lead up to the Games Brian Sutton Don Talbot Guennadi Touretski Scott Volkers Ken Wood very Australian and be fashionable and Overall we did pretty damn well. and wanted to know how I trained him. He 2004 Athens Olympics serviceable. Recent Olympic uniforms AT: We want to at least maintain our thought Mark was just so good. That from Glenn Beringen Roger Bruce Denis Cotterell Pierre La Fontaine Tracey Menzies Leigh Nugent have been looked upon by the swimmers position as the number two nation in the the guy that won meant a lot! I will always favourably and they are always excited to world behind the USA. We are always remember that. Shannon Rollason Alan Thompson Mark Thompson Stephan Widmer Ken Wood

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support these athletes require, which is vary by individual genetics, training and is stringy and tough as compared to substantially more than what a teenager personal management (recovery), the young muscle. A simple example is Elite Athlete Development living at home requires. athlete has stopped growing and different to compare lamb to mutton. Lamb is changes occur in the athlete’s body. tender and easy to eat, where as mutton The above chart shows the limited ‘You made the Olympic team! physical change an international athlete First and foremost is the endocrine is tough and chewy. Human muscle is can have in a nine year period. While (hormonal) activity in the body. Growth much the same. Bring home a medal!” young athletes can increase total body hormone secretion around the age of One critical element which is a mass by 20% per year and specific lean 32 years is approximately 10% of what tremendous benefit for the athlete as body mass (muscle ) by up to 10% in a it was at the age of 18 years. (This they progress through their mature This is a classic quote Athlete Rate of Improvement and Variables year, the mature athlete can change as is essentially the onset of the aging athletic years is their ‘sense of self.’ The and typical expectation little as 4.5% over nine years. process). Variations in other hormone 15 + under 15 - 17 18 - 21 22 + over mature athlete’s psychology can be much of a young athlete’s next activity, dramatically affects the For the mature swimmer, larger changes stronger than the younger athlete. Their door neighbor. While, Growth and Development 65% 50% 25% <2% recovery and regeneration rates for in body mass indices usually occur ability to manage failure and success, the neighbor has the Training and Skill Acquisition 35% 50% 75% >98% mature swimmers. after injury or long breaks from training. best intentions, they keep a balanced view and come back Expected Rate of Improvement 5 - 10 % 2 - 5 % 1 - 2 % <0.5% Essentially when a mature swimmer is As the athlete gets older and from years are grossly mistaken in again is much greater. Between the ages not training, their metabolism begins to of repetitive use, range of motion and understanding what it of 22 and 32, the athlete’s sense of self store fat and muscle atrophy begins. flexibility become major challenges. Joint is very strong. This is a period in their takes to develop an elite ligaments and muscle tendons become ATHLETEATHLETE DE DEGENERATIVEGENERATIV EMODE MODELL At the age of 20 years (+/- 1.5 years) lives when they back themselves for the athlete on the world stringy and less pliable from years of the athlete is considered fully ‘grown.’ At next 45 years! This is the stage when stage. Even the great 12 training stress and micro-tears. they start their life’s work, get married, only this stage the athlete development model changes to the ‘Athlete Degenerative Muscle youth, refers to the suppleness have children, buy new cars and buy finished fifth in the 200m 10 Model.’ While rates of degeneration will and elasticity of the muscle. Old muscle houses. They believe in their ability. fly at his first Olympics in Sydney 2000. It wasn’t 8 Endocrine until three years later Flexibility at the Barcelona World 6 Muscle Youth Championships in 2003 that Psychology Michael Phelps first stood 4 on the podium. While great athletes can win 2 medals at a young age, there is still significant development 0 20 22 24 26 28 30 that the athlete must go through before he or she is a mature aGAGEE international competitor with stable, reliable results. Mark Critical in the long term At the 2000 and 2004 Olympics the development of the athlete Spitz, while winning two gold average age of an Olympic medalist in is what they do from the ages swimming was 23.5 years of age. This medals in the 1968 Olympics as of 18 – 21 years (+/- one year). means half the medal winners were 23.5 an 18 year old, was still unstable This critical development years or older! Very few countries in in his performances, having been usually corresponds with three the world have structured professional ‘expected to win six gold.’ Of specifics: • Growth and development programs to cater to the specific needs course in 1972 he returned to of these athletes. Often these older • Social issues (driving, parental the Olympic stage winning seven athletes have families, careers and other involvement, financial support, etc) gold medals, all in world record responsibilities which the teenage athlete time. Now those were stable, • Plateau in performances (times can could never imagine. These professional reliable performances! become very hard to improve). athletes require specific support in Often physiologists and sociologists create By design or accident, many countries managing recovery from training, athlete development models only looking around the world have managed their illness and injury. They are also more at young athletes, up to 18 years of age. athletes through this critical time comfortable using the world for their While the correct development of these period by developing university sport training and competition stage and can young athletes is essential, they are far programs, with facilities, coaching and deal with long periods away from home. from mature athletes at this age. fiscal support. Finally, and most importantly is the fiscal

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Percentage change in estimated lean body mass - 18-26 years male Supporting Clubs & members

Swimming Australia and its state swimming associations provide many programs and services to support and assist clubs, athletes, administrators, coaches, parents and volunteers.

Swimming Australia’s Sport Age 18-26 Years Development unit has had a very productive 12 months with In conclusion, coaches who have been successful in working with the mature athlete use some record participation in all specific tactics when working with mature swimmers: programs and the introduction of some great new initiatives; • They realize that many things motivate mature swimmers. ‘Pep-talks’ and trying to please the coach or authority figures may not always work. They realize the athletes are training and competing very much for their own reasons, be it intrinsic or extrinsic reasons. Motivators can be complicated or simple and come from a full range of interests such as money and sponsorship • The Junior Excellence Program (JX) opportunities to finding time for friends and family. Finding what motivates the athletes is essential. was introduced as a national program to recognise, reward and encourage • Successful senior coaches are very effective at supporting and finding ways to support their swimmers. They help find swimmers aged 9-13. Almost 10,000 resources and partnerships from government to academic to private sponsors to ensure the athletes have every opportunity to swimmers received JX packs for their importance of club development, under the new Member and Child be successful. achievements in the pool. Well done attracting new members, servicing Welfare policies. The flexible and and all the best for JX 2008. and enhancing the experience for inviting nature of the online course • These coaches are also very effective at monitoring their athlete’s training and competitive performances. Monitoring allows the allows everyone involved in swimming coaches to provide effective feedback. At critical times facts help the coaches provide realistic and truthful assessments of their • A New National Technical Officials existing members. Congratulations to the almost 400 clubs who took part at any level to upskill themselves on athlete’s behavior and or performances. Accreditation Program has been the latest requirements in their own implemented. This promotes a and are working towards creating an time. The sport development unit have In these ways successful coaches and mature athletes build professional relationships established on trust. nationally consistent and professional environment in which all members are plans for continued improvements approach to the identification, training, able to reach their full potential. and refinement in 2008 with many and ongoing development of technical • Swimming Australia released the new resources and programs already officials for all levels of swimming. National GO CLUB Administration under development. • A record 113 clubs were rewarded resources. These education modules under Telstra Swimming Assistance and Power Point slides are delivered to For more information on how to be Fund. More than $250,000 worth of clubs through education forums held involved in these and other sport much needed equipment has been around the country. The aim of the Go development programs please visit: dispersed to assist with the running of Club Administration Training Program www.swimming.org.au or contact the the clubs. A popular item in 2007 was is to further educate swimming Swimming Australia office on: a laptop computer with team manager clubs and club personnel to improve (02) 6219 5600. and meet manager software. performance and management structures, providing a better Thank you to all the athletes, • The GO CLUB programs attracted a environment for all Swimming administrators, coaches, parents and new sponsor in Australian Unity. This Australia members. volunteers, that enable swimming clubs allowed the programs to be enhanced and competitions to operate. and also added cash awards and • The introduction of new Member prizes for the Club of the Year and the Welfare and Child Welfare Policies Leadership awards. to assist in tackling inappropriate behavior. Swimming Australia is • There was a Gold Rush in the proud to lead the way in ensuring Australian Unity GO CLUB PB safe and harassment-free sport for all program. A remarkable 20 swimming of our members. clubs achieved the Gold Standard, an increase from the four that achieved • A new online course has been released the same level in 2006. – Just to further assists in ensuring that participating in the Australian Unity every person involved in swimming GO Club PB brings awareness to the is conscious of their responsibilities

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So, as a result of their inefficiency, we reject the whole idea. I am almost certain that the present best breaststrokers will New Breaststroke not be the most successful with this new technique. However, opportunity can open What is next in breaststroke? up for less successful swimmers. This is spring 2007, and I am working in Canada, so I mostly know the Canadian Coach Jozsef Nagy, The arm pull and the kick did not So, how can we swim faster swimmers. Up to now, I know only one the pioneer of the change with the wave breaststroke, but breaststroke, taking the rules single swimmer who could swim this “wave breaststroke” keeping the body position as close to the into consideration? technique well, and in one or two years, in the late 1980s streamline as possible was a main goal. It Because the rules are clear, we should not he could get among the world’s best, if not was achieved by the massive forward jump the best, with this technique. He is not a and early 1990s, expect faster breaststroke from changing of the upper body, after the arm pull and breaststroker either! He is best in freestyle looks at new ideas the rules. The fastest kind of breaststroke before the kick at the dead point. and IM. can be reached with breast pull-dolphin for a faster and Every new technique is completed by However, there are still problems waiting kick. I think that if the rules allowed that, more economic training and fine technical adjustment. breaststroke. for a solution as breaststroke is still the then in two to three years, the world Let’s just think about the prehistory of slowest stroke. As we know, it is a result of record of the 100 meter breast would butterfly. In the 1952 Olympic Games, a Jozsef Nagy is continuously bringing the arms and legs forward under go under 56 seconds... but not with the 200m breaststroker won who was able

by Jozsef Nagy exploring ways to swim the water right after the pull and kick present best breaststrokers! I do hope that to swim 200m using butterfly arms with (passive phase). Bringing the arms and faster breaststroke. One this rule change will never happen. breast kick. Although butterfly had been idea is to have a stronger arm hands forward does not really produce known for years, (it was felt the stroke was was kept by the arm pull and the legs pull than the present one and a big resistance. With good technique, My idea is a stronger arm pull than the Every age, too strenuous to be done over a 200-meter were not able to keep the pace faster? a lot higher stroke frequency, it can be done in a way that the hands present one and a lot higher stroke race). Today, every age group swimmer Now, they could. Let’s think about the training is able to swim practically as much fly as with a small but strong kick that move forward on the surface of the water frequency, a small but strong kick that (palm pointing downward) so the forearms breast pull-dolphin kick. Our swimmers they want. resembles a dolphin kick. resembles a dolphin kick, but still sticks to technique are moving forward on the surface of are able to keep a lot faster pace than with Jozsef Nagy is the assistant coach of the the rules because the feet turn out during and swimming No one thinks seriously that the water, too (covered by the hands?)... Vancouver Training Center in Canada. a short back-kick. Let’s see what the the breaststroke kick! breaststrokers will swim the in a way that the elbows are not wider technique has its The Hungarian native has coached with disadvantages are of this idea: the American, Hungarian and Spanish same way in 20 years as they do or deeper than the hands, arms moving Even during the last 15 years, breast own star. national teams. His most famous pupil was forward ahead of them. pull became a lot more effective, but the nowadays. So, we have to think 1. The kick is shorter and weaker... American , who broke about new solutions continuously, If the swimmer is doing that precisely and so, gives less support to the kick only a bit. That’s the reason for a With the present training techniques, world records six times between 1989 taking into consideration the fast, then he does not create a big deal moving forward. more than two-second improvement in maybe Johnny Weissmuller would not be and 1992 in the 200 meter breast. Before given rules. Any new way of of resistance. The upper arms and the the 100m and hardly the same progress a great swimmer. Maybe with an orthodox moving to Canada, he was head coach breaststroke, Mike Barrowman could not swimming breaststroke can have shoulders are moving forward above the 2. More strokes must be done...so, a lot in the 200m. However, the expected at Honved Swim Club in Budapest since water as well, and by the time they land more tiring. be the world record holder. 2003. two goals only: improvement is more than double of that on the surface of the water, the swimmer It’s not sure that the best present “What’s Next in Breaststroke?” made in the 100m. The most important breaststrokers are able to change to this 1. faster swimming is gliding forward in streamline, then So, why should we expect this By Jozsef Nagy starts the next stroke. With even the best technique to be faster? thing I want to say with that is that this new way, and if we try out this new idea Reprinted with kind permission from 2. More economic swimming with them, then there is a chance that technique, the breaststroke pull gives the “halfbreastkick breaststroke” requires a Swimming World Magazine 1. The dead point will be shorter and so we fail. slowest speed among the four strokes. different type of breaststroker or, rather, September 2007, vol. 48 No.9 The “faster” is almost never more the swimming is continuous. new breaststrokers. economic, and the “more economic” is The situation is even worse with the kick. 2. The legs and knees will not be lifted hardly ever faster. However, these two The best breaststrokers, while doing the up, so we do not have to deal with the This technique may be good for those categories do not close each other out. kick, are trying to lift up their legs, not the whose leg is not flexible enough to turn The hardest thing in breaststroke is to knees, but in lifting up the heels, their big resistance of the thighs. it out perfectly at their bottoms, so their ensure steady speed. The biggest break in knees get so deep under the water that 3. The feet are easier to turn out, so it moving forward was after the active phase the thighs create huge resistance (against kick’s front is completely ineffective, is easier to keep the distance between of the arm pull and before the active moving forward). This causes apparent and by reaching the second part of the the heels, and the swimmer will not phase of the kick. This critical point was loss of speed in each stroke. As the breast backward kick when they are turned out kick backward in a V-shape, but well managed by the wave breaststroke pull is the slowest compared to the rest perfectly, at that time their legs are so by “jumping forward” on the surface of parallel. of the strokes, the breast kick is also the deep and wide that they were not able to the water with the entire upper body, slowest among the four strokes. So, the do an effective kick. Here, breaststrokers head, shoulders, hands right before the kick is the troublemaker in breaststroke No doubt this technique needs a lot more could come in the picture (not only the kick...with that creating a bridge between because it causes the greatest resistance effective arm pull. The question is if we the arm pull and the kick (backward and the least speed. I see the next step in are able to do a better, faster arm pull. I present ones!) Whose arm pull is very kicking part, active phase), resulting in a the technique of breaststroke in changing think yes, we can. Up to now, swimmers good and are able to stand the fast pace steady speed. the aforementioned troubles. were not forced to do so because the pace during a 100m.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 30 31 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA news news

Alan Jones Breakfast show. I was at the looked at Daniel, he was grinning like me, Manly Swimming pool now and everybody “10km event from ear to ear. I was quietly confident. Your birthright to achieve thought I was coming out of retirement as The TOWSC (FINA Technical Open I screamed out “We’re going to Beijing!” in Open Water Water Swimming Committee) members celebrated that evening in Hong Kong. I This was the day thousands of marathon Swimming at the had a gut feeling. We all felt that history swimmers worldwide had been waiting for Beijing 2008 was in the making. with anticipated breath. For many they had not held their breath. They had given Olympic Games”. We (the TOWSC Commission of which I am Honorary Secretary) had hosted up hope. Not me. the IOC Program Committee members The Olympic 10km marathon swim event The 7th FINA World Swimming onboard our boat at the FINA World has the unique distinction of being both Championships in Rome in 1994 was Swimming Championships in July 2005. I the oldest and newest of Olympic Aquatic where the 25km was again contested. The clearly remember explaining our sport as disciplines. The modern-day Olympics 8th FINA World Swimming Championships quickly as possible and as passionately utilised Open Water venues for their first returned to the favourite city of Perth, as possible without jamming too much three Olympiads; Athens 1896, Paris 1900 Western Australia in 1998 where the 5km stuff down their throats. I did not want to and St. Louis 1904. Finally, after 104 event and the introduction of team awards appear desperate, regardless of how I was feeling inside, having them leave choking years, open water swimming will return to were introduced. on our sport. the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008. Then in the year 2000, the 10km event was a part of the first FINA That same day in Hong Kong we created a Over the past decade the FINA Technical World Championship event dedicated sub-committee and prepared the Olympic Open Water Swimming Committee exclusively to Open Water Swimming. selection proposal. Mr. Marculescu was (TOWSC) developed a plan with great Since that time FINA has hosted an very pleased with our work on this and diligence to ensure that the IOC was annual World Championships and the sent it onto the IOC that same week. We presented with an aquatic event that 10km distance quickly became one of the had several members of the 15-member would fit the Olympic ideal and represent most popular events. IOC Executive Board championing our the high quality of aquatic excellence that efforts, including Mr. Rogge himself. As it FINA is internationally accredited with. ‘The Dream’ appeared to happen so easily. was explained to us, the Olympic television Looking back now since that ‘gold medal contract commitment was originally The 10km distance was decided on moment’ two years ago, everything was structured to include baseball and softball, because of its duration being similar to in place and the timing was perfect. It both now dropped from the program. The both the traditional running marathon and began with a meeting in Hong Kong in IOC was looking to simply add these two the newer Olympic triathlon. The venue September 2005 when the FINA Executive swimming events with little or no cost to Imagine being so “Lausanne (SUI), October 27, 2005 – nicknamed ‘Nuts’ in the FINA office due used by rowing was proposed as one that Director advised that the IOC were help fulfil that obligation. The plan to use dedicated to a cause, FINA has the great pleasure to announce to my unwavering commitment to would be useful in accommodating both planning to discuss the addition of the the Olympic rowing venue and the great that for 23 years that the IOC Executive Board today marathon swimming. spectators and television. 10km men’s and women’s events during television ratings of FINA Swimming in of your life your decided to include in the Beijing 2008 I fell to my knees in tears of joy. Those their October 2005 program meetings. Athens have been major selling points. pursuit has been Olympic Games competition programme There are various terms for our sport magic moments that I refer to as ‘Gold relentless. Shelley- the 10km event for men and women in since we have developed so fast. It has The most encouraging news here is Medal Moments’ that rise within you, Yes we were in the right place at the right Taylor Smith knows marathon swimming.” changed from long distance swimming that the IOC had called FINA. Cornel where the hairs on your arms stand time. It is all about timing.Since the IOC S mith aylor- the feeling, but she to open water swimming to what it is now Marculescu, Executive Director of announcement in 2005, we have seen an It was one of those moments where time on end, as you remember (and I do also knows that the recognised as marathon swimming. FINA and the one who brought us this amazing growth in our sport. stood still -- with me in it. The subject remember often) …. Now … still. They means justify the news, could be described as ‘cautiously

S helley T header sent at 1.38am Sydney time read: are powerful. ends and that no Marathon swimming could easily be optimistic’ that this all may happen for The FINA TOWSC has had to quickly by adapt with rule changes to promote the matter how long you “10km event in Open Water Swimming at It’s 6am. I scream out with joy “we’re considered the fastest growing discipline Beijing 2008. th sport. For our sport to be seen as ‘media desire something, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games”. going to Beijing”. I am in shock. It can’t be within the FINA family. In the 6 FINA With those two words I was dumbfounded. the resolution is always that easy. Who could I share this joy with World Championships in 1991 in Perth, friendly’, we have introduced the dive It can’t be that easy I thought. Cornel is worth the wait. I had to re-read it. I had had a at this time of morning? I called the head Western Australia, start from a floating pontoon. This is the never the type of person who would set us restless night’s sleep knowing the IOC coach of Swimming Australia, opportunity for spectators, whether at October 28, 2005. The email Open Water Swimming was introduced up in false hope. I remember I had Daniel announcement -- a Yes in our favour or Alan Thompson. the event or at home, to get up close and from the FINA headquarters (the a Nay against us -- was happening as I with a 25km swim. It was here that I Kowalski, Australian Swimming Olympian personal with our marathon swimming international governing body tossed. I had requested FINA to call me. That is all I said, all day. I called Alan became the Inaugural FINA Women’s and the FINA Athletes Representative athletes. There has been a 1000 per for swimming disciplines) in I did not care if they woke me. They know Jones after Thommo. “Do you want the 25km World Champion winning gold seated next to me. I was typing the cent increase in Officials and Referees Switzerland read: me pretty well by now. The crazy Aussie scoop?” I said to the producer of the 2GB for Australia. minutes as Cornel informed us and as I accreditations. FINA has hosted its

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 32 33 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA news

inaugural Open Water Swimming Seminar It reminds me of when Women’s Water Staging the best ever competition was now in 2006. Polo was accepted into the Sydney 2000 satisfied by expecting the venue. Olympic Games. Everyone jumped on The meeting agenda highlighted key From the pool to the board the bandwagon. The same has been issues including the schedule of events My introduction to marathon swimming experienced in our sport. Even Grant and meetings, sharing facilities, the course began in 1983 as a member of the ‘Lady Hackett is talking about having a go at in including start and finish, feeding stations, Razorback Swim Team’ whilst studying at the 10km marathon swim in Beijing. the timing system and availability for on- the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, course training where swimmers familarise Fast forward to August 2007 and it’s the Arkansas, USA. I dived into professional themselves with their racing environment. marathon swimming in 1985 and retired TOWSC Commission’s first official visit as 7-time World Marathon Swimming to Beijing to meet with the IOC, BOCOG The meeting was successful. Our Champion in 1998. Whilst competing, I (Beijing Olympic Committee Olympic outcomes were achieved. All parties agreed this will be the most spectacular served as the FINA Athletes representative Games) and the ICF (International Games in the history of the Olympic and Chairman of the committee from Canoe Federation). Arriving into Beijing Games. There is one thing the Chinese do 1992 to 2000. Since 2000, I have served you can sense the excitement. There well – they deliver on their promise. as Honorary Secretary for marathon is construction going 24/7. As we head swimming as a member of the TOWSC. to the hotel our view is saturated by The 10km Marathon swim for women construction cranes and men will be staged at 9am on August My role as Honorary Secretary includes 20 and 21, 2007. I’ll be ‘ringside’ with The venue for the Olympic 10km administering the sport internationally. my fellow TOWSC members and BOCOG Marathon Swim is the rowing basin at Most important matters of late have delivering my promise for the talented included rule changes, staging the Open Rowing-Canoe-Marathon Swim Park. 25 men and 25 women competing in the Water Swimming seminar, finalising the A state of the art venue does not do it inaugural 10km Marathon Swim Olympic Beijing 2008 Olympic Games qualifying justice. The water quality is outstanding. Event: ‘to enjoy their Olympic experience’. selection process, supporting national The facilities are excellent for athletes, federations and their athletes’ concerns, spectators, coaches and federations. It is a training officials and referees in China 40 minute drive from Beijing to the venue. whilst focusing on our main objective to FINA is co-sharing the facility with two stage the best ever competition in Beijing. other sports – Rowing and Canoeing.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 34 news news

retired at 24, an age when he should have The institute was set up after Australia’s Research conducted on behalf of the US been at his physical peak. very disappointing performance at the Olympic Committee at the 1996 Atlanta 1976 Montreal Olympics to promote Games showed that the attitude of the What the public wants Just two days after Wu stumbled in development of our young talent. Swift’s ``supporters’’ of an athlete, their family Sydney, another 14-year-old was being fellow psychologist Clark Perry calls the and coaches, can have a dramatic effect acclaimed in the adjoining swimming hoopla that surrounds top-level sport (positive or negative) on the athlete’s pool. Brisbane schoolgirl Cate Campbell -- fans, television, interviews, sponsors ability to perform under such pressure. had announced herself to the world by -- ``the circus’’. Perry, who has worked Consequently, the Queensland Academy becoming the youngest female swimmer with the Australian Institute of Sport and of Sport has introduced a program to in history to break 25 seconds in the 50m national swimming team, argues that make the family of athletes aware of the freestyle. Her time of 24.89sec would have the side-shows can easily distract an influence they have. won the Olympic silver medal in Athens immature athlete from their purpose. He ``We have to make sure we educate the two years ago. Born of South African argues that children excel in sport for only supporters about what things put pressure parents in Malawi, she is 182cm tall, one reason, because they love it. The only on the athlete and those that ease slender as a willow and seems genetically expectations they have are their own. It pressure,’’ Swift said. designed for swimming. is when they take on the expectations of others that they begin to crash. Fear of Since the Youth Olympics, she has ``In those sessions we deal a lot with failure, of disappointing others rather than continued to soar, defeating world perceptions, because the parent may do themselves, infiltrates their psyches and something that they believe is fantastic champion Libby Lenton to win the 50m plays havoc with their performances. for the child, but the athlete perceives it freestyle at the Japan Open meet last as pressure. It’s so important to educate August, in a national record of 24.48sec ``I think the big thing is that they start to parents on what to look out for. The first that lifted her to third on the world ponder the what-ifs,’’ Perry said. ``Until thing is: Is their child happy? If they start rankings. Campbell has yet to show public then, they just do what they do. The to lose their joy or they don’t want to go to signs of the stress associated with her trick is to get the kids to understand that training or they start to dread competition, light-speed progress, but her coach Simon nothing has changed in their internal that’s a warning sign. We do have to be Cusack, at Brisbane’s Indooroopilly club, world. Things change around them but aware of how much we expect of them.’’ has been particularly selective in exposing their reality shouldn’t change. The pool is her to the elite pressures. Since Japan she still 50m long, their parents and coach are In the not-too-distant past, prodigies and has stayed tucked away at home, secure still the same.’’ their families were virtually left to fend for in her normal life. She will only emerge again at the Olympic trials in Sydney.

Campbell also has the advantage of peer company on her journey to the top. Fellow Queenslander Emily Seebohm bolted on to What the public Just 10 months later, the 14-year-old It was hard to watch and harder still to the national team for last year’s Melbourne wants from sports Wu was weighed down with care. She bear some responsibility for her torment. world championships at 14. She finished prodigies is trembled with anxiety as she climbed Prodigies emerge regularly in sport, an exceptional fourth at the world titles, performance and a up to the 10m platform to compete at impossibly young athletes who, because setting a national record, and will also be a winning personality. the Australian Youth Olympic Festival of their extraordinary talent, suddenly find strong Olympic contender. Her coach Matt But is the price too in Sydney. Worry creased her brow and themselves prematurely thrust into an Brown is similarly mindful that she is not high? she looked even smaller than her 136cm adult world full of demands they had never and 30kg. The diving team management anticipated. They often seem mature yet mature, and has deliberately refrained The change in young buzzed around her with concern. enough to cope but they seldom are. from pushing her too hard too fast. diving prodigy Melissa Even Ian Thorpe, the most famous 14- Sports psychologist Wendy Swift, a Wu was both striking and Given her state of mind, it was inevitable that she would not perform to the level year-old prodigy of all, the golden boy consultant to the Queensland Academy by Nicole Jeffery disturbing. Gone was the who could handle anything, wobbled of Sport and the Australian Institute of bright, engaging little that had made her the darling of her dangerously after his first year in the Sport, counsels young athletes ``to identify girl who had blazed into public sport internationally. spotlight, unable to juggle the demands what’s in their control and if it’s not in their consciousness as the youngest As she tried to explain what had gone on his time as he tried to combine school control, not to worry about it’’. member of the Melbourne wrong afterwards, Wu looked close to with his gruelling training and his position team, tears and stumbled for words to describe as a national identity. He felt desperately ``It’s about helping them cope with and fearlessly soared to an her fears and emotions. She confessed to overloaded and eventually dropped out of distractions and expectations while unexpected medal in the diving being overwhelmed by the media attention school at just 16. He went on to win five keeping their sense of identity and self- pool in March. 2006. she had received in previous days. Olympic gold medals over two Games but esteem intact.’’

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 36 37 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA news news themselves. Leaving school early was seen education in nutrition and media training goes up but it doesn’t make her a better were doing at 14. They were worrying Diving Australia’s executive director Mary Loudy Wiggins (nee Tourky) at the national as a way to take pressure off teenagers to prepare them for elite competition. person. If you put a lot riding on any one about acne and what to wear to school Godden, media manager Ian Hanson and championships and again combined with so they could put all of their energy into event you kill the performance. My own tomorrow. These kids need to have as head coach Hui Tong sat down with Wu Cole to win the synchronised title. Now Jones, now 21, has spoken at length their sport. Thorpe and Leisel Jones took father [Tim Cusack] was tipped to win gold normal a life as possible’’. and her management group to work out 15, she seems destined to qualify for her about this issue in the past two years, first Olympic team at the national trials in that option. But in the past five years, that in the 1968 Olympics and that became a plan of action. ``At the end of the day, revealing that low self-esteem sabotaged Brown, who coaches at Nudgee College in Hobart in April. approach has fallen out of favour. The quite a crippling thing for him.” she’s a 14-year-old kid and you can’t heap her performance in the pool for most of Brisbane, insists that his charge ``has to current thinking is that young athletes too much on her,’’ Godden said at the her teenage years. ``It’s really important have a chance to have a childhood’. She’s Adapted from the article “Yong, gifted compete better if they maintain they don’t drop out of school too early,’’ still not doing a full training load. She time. and stressed” first published in ‘The as normal a life as possible: going to Swift says. ``There’s a lot of research into ``If they have a doesn’t eat and breathe swimming. Her Australian’ 27 January 2007. school, maintaining a social network away Their strategy appears to have worked. life balance that shows athletes do better life isn’t all about the black line.’’ life and a sense Wu went on to win her first world from their sport, so that their self-esteem when they have got their balance, when does not become entirely dependant on they have something that could lead them of worth out of As for Wu, there was a pow-wow in championships medal in Melbourne last their sport. into another career after sport. That way swimming, they Brisbane the week after her Sydney year, combining with Bree Cole to win they feel more secure and are freer to meltdown where officials met in abid to silver in the 10m synchronised event. In Swimming Australia has also recognised develop to their full potential.’’ are not living provide her with more support and shield January, she finished second in the 10m that its most precocious athletes should her from some of the public demands. platform final behind Olympic medallist remain in its development programs, The new-generation coaches who are and dying by the even after they reach the national team. guiding Campbell and Seebohm are very stopwatch.’’ National youth coach Leigh Nugent insists aware of avoiding the pitfalls their young that Campbell and Seebohm, even if they charges will face. ``I tell [Cate] that her make the Olympic team this year, will value as a human being is different from As for reducing the expectations of continue to be nurtured with their peers her value as an athlete,’’ Cusack says. ``If the wider world, Cusack suggests that in the junior teams and receive the same she swims well her value as an athlete everyone should ``think about what they HotHot offoff thethe blockblock

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involved in club mini squads through the swimmers will strive to Australia DVD series and the widely to the competitive program. achieve them. available reading materials. °° Often this will come with the • Strong working and flexible • A network of peers. The coach The Swimming Club Coach understanding that swimmers not relationship with the facility; no doubt benefits from being able to discuss ready for squads are referred to the there will be a formal agreement their ideas and learn from the (The Bronzed Aussie) swim school. regarding pool hire and the like. experiences of others. Either formal However a flexible and open working Paul Bruce – Coach & °° There may also be the opportunity or informal mentoring has shown to to offer swim school students, free relationship may open doors to future be a valuable practice of successful Athlete Development, club nights as an incentive to join possibilities. coaches. Swimming Australia the competitive program. °° Such as an opportunity to work with We often hear that coaches are waiting °° Clubs have been known to run local school groups as they use the for that “Special” talent to walk through When posed with the question of how “Come and Try” days, donating facility. Developing relationships Australia is able to compete as one of the their door. The challenge is, for the coach CLUB COACHES time to meet and that lead to conducting their leading swimming nations in the world to be ready and skilled to develop that work with potential new swimmers. program and/or having greater considering its population and resources; talent when the day comes. Or is the talent °° Utilise Swimming Australia’s GO access to potential swimmers. often the reply has been our CLUB system already there and we don’t have the skills Swim program, where every new °° The close relationship with the and the level of knowledge amongst our to recognise it? Don’t wait, prepare now, member under the age of 12 facility opens the door to joint CLUB COACHES. and spend some time looking through your receives a new members kit, as a marketing and joint events for the squad program. How do we ensure this level of success promotion of your club. mutual benefit of the club and the into the future? Having been out of club • Keeping an eye on the next 4 years; facility. The world of the CLUB COACH is a coaching for the last four years, I have working with all squad levels and • Challenge creates achievement and rewarding experience and the coaches had the opportunity to observe some of coaches within the club. Enabling the maintains interest. The coach is influence on the lives of the young our most successful club coaches and coach to develop the swimming talent challenged by performance, and by swimmers with whom they come in it seems the answer is by providing the all the way through the program. being involved in regional, state or contact with cannot be underestimated. tools, education and opportunity for °° Swimmers retire or move on; it national development activities. The BRONZE accreditation is the vehicle CLUB COACHES to achieve longevity in is the best practice to have the °° Available for development to commence, develop and enjoy this next wave of swimmers with the opportunities within the region. their programs and continue with their essential, forms only part of the puzzle opportunity to share ideas with other clubs incredible journey. professional development. when establishing the role of a CLUB and coaches. It is a great resource for skills and ability ready to take the Participate in camps, conferences COACH. The CLUB COACH is the clubs with many tips and tools for effective opportunity to progress through the and Swimming Australia GO Club Being the CLUB COACH is much more LEADER, they are the one with the above club management. squads. forums. than what you see on pool deck; it is a technical knowledge; and the one with °° Swimming Australia’s Junior °° Committed to professional whole range of skills where education, the long term interest of the club, the COMMUNICATION Excellence (JX) program is a great development. Attend ascta state opportunity and experience combine swimmers and their own personal welfare vehicle to encourage and develop and national conferences. Use to develop a swimming club to its full Effective communication skills are at heart. the swimming talent across the the ascta and Swimming Australia potential. prominent in successful club coaches. younger age groups. Post the times resources, such as the web pages, TEAM and CLUB The ability to coach athletes of all levels, on a wall in your club room, and the new ascta Swimming in EVERYTHING WATER MANAGEMENT and work with committee/board members, The coach, having been through the parents, potential sponsors, facility The coach works with the club, the BRONZE Accreditation (Essential for the management and other key stakeholders Club Coach) is armed with the technical swimmers, the committee and the parent takes an understanding of different Upcoming Conferences expertise including knowledge of stoke group to set the future direction. Club communication styles. goals, club vision and club values are technique and athlete development and Australian Water Safety Council announces the 2008 Water Safety Conference, “Water Safety Everyone’s Responsibility”, therefore has the skills required to: established, and owned by the current ENSURING LONGEVITY to be held at the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour on Thursday 15 May to Friday 16 May 2008. custodians of the club. The coach is The CLUB COACH may instil loyalty and • Develop sound stroke technique across the vital link, spanning over multiple 9th Australasian Conference on Mathematics and Computers in Sport – August 31st through September 3rd 2008 in commitment as values in the swimmers all four strokes (Now five, when we generations of custodians. Coolangatta, QLD count underwater) in their squad and the club as a whole, Swimming Australia’s GO Club PB program however the reality of the situation is Sport, Race and Ethnicity: Building a Global Understanding – A conference to be hosted by the School of Leisure, • Implement an improvement orientated creates the opportunity for clubs to that swimmers come and go, and along Sport and Tourism, University of Technology Sydney, 30 Nov - 2 Dec 2008, for further information contact Dr Daryl progressive training program measure themselves across a range of with them, their parents, the committee, Adair - [email protected] indicators and enables comparison with the volunteers and their supporters. The • Develop an appropriate squad and Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Science Annual Conference – 27th - 30th March 2008, Melbourne state and national averages. This program swimmer development structure coach is there for the long haul. identifies areas of strength and areas that Leaders in Sport, 2-4 April 2008 - Auckland, New Zealand • Establish an effective Competition require attention, focusing the committee Long-term successful club coaches Schedule and the coach to work together and have the following structures and common Asics Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, 16th – 18th October 2008, Hamilton Island, QLD improve overall performance. traits ensuring the coach has a sustainable • Develop the swimmers racing skills Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association Annual Conference, 16th & 17th October 2008, Melbourne Cricket Ground future: The coach has a role on the committee International Association for Sport Information World Congress, 11th – 13th March 2009, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra The BRONZE course demonstrates to so that their swimming expertise can offer • Strong links with the Learn to the club coach how all the above can assistance to the committee in making Swim School; most have a formal Further information about the following conferences can be found at - be incorporated into a seasonal plan. decisions. The Swimming Australia GO agreement where swimmers http://www.ausport.gov.au/info/topics/conferences.asp The above technical knowledge, whilst Club modules and forums are a great advancing from learn to swim are

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 40 41 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT From Age Group to Elite

For whatever reason, to have fun, have a good experience and want ensure that by making sure it’s done some clubs just work through the program. We just want in progression.” them to have a good experience and learn have a knack for Like Paratto, most of the coaches say they the strokes, and hopefully they’re still developing talent. start training their swimmers at the senior around when they’re senior swimmers, They’ll take kids level around the age of 13 or 14, maybe a and their techniques are good.” who walk through little earlier for some girls. their doors as age Enough can’t be said about technique “That’s the breaking point where they at this stage of the game, as it lays the groupers, and a few decide whether swimming’s going to be foundation for more serious training down years down the line an activity, or whether swimming’s going the line. have them standing to be a sport,” said Pete Malone, head atop the medals “We emphasize how to swim and then let coach of the Kansas City Blazers. “From podium at Nationals, them progress at whatever their own pace that age, we try to identify those who or donning the red, is going to be,” said Stephen Schaffer, want to pursue that level, but we never white and blue as who, as head coach of Desert Thunder, eliminate those who don’t. Then we try to by Jim R usnak, S plash Magazine Managing E ditor members of Team USA. now works extensively with the club’s age tailor their training and put them into an group program. “As they master the skills, environment that is more conducive to then we can start moving them forward their development.” Other clubs are left scratching their heads, into more training and pursue whatever NO PRESSURE wondering how they do it year after year. level of success they want to pursue.” There does come a time when these But it’s no magic trick. The top clubs’ SEEK THEIR DEVELOPMENT coaches identify certain outstanding ability to produce elite-level swimmers swimmers as being on the elite track, but on a consistent basis is a result of a From there, clubs should have a long- a swimmer’s success in the 10-and-under number of factors, including a solid term training plan in place designed to age group rarely has anything to do with it. coaching philosophy, patience and a little accommodate their swimmers’ needs as bit of luck. their skills progress, and each club should Ed Spencer of Dynamo says he’s generally that kid is going to do two or three years “I’ve had a very consistent coaching AND TRY TO KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE have an established order of progression looking for a senior swimmer with natural Here’s a look at why some of these clubs down the road. You might miss a golden staff,” Schaffer said. “Everybody knows its swimmers follow as they advance from talent, leadership abilities, a strong work “Not everybody’s in it for the same have been so successful, courtesy of opportunity with that individual.” what their role is, and everybody’s on the level to level. ethic and a real desire to compete. But the coaches from Dynamo Swim Club in reason,” Braunsfeld said. “Some there’s more. same page, working in the same direction. Atlanta, Seacoast Swimming Association At Seacoast, for example, there’s a pre- COMMUNICATE people just want to be good high school We have a great group of people who swimmers, some people want to be elite in New Hampshire, Desert Thunder competitive level, a competitive age group “I think there’s a simple indication, where Coaches should communicate their communicate and do nothing but work swimmers, and some people just want to Aquatics Club in Phoenix and the Kansas level, a junior level and a senior level. The maybe they score at Nationals, that expectations to the athletes and their towards helping the swimmers get better.” be an “A” swimmer – it’s all relative. I feel City Blazers. other clubs offer similar programs. opens your eyes and gets you thinking parents at every step of the athlete’s that everybody needs to work hard and that maybe this swimmer has something HAVE PATIENCE BUILD THE FOUNDATION Generally, the intensity of training development. This is especially true once be equally committed, whether they want special,” Spencer said. “But if you’re too increases at each level, as does the time they’ve identified an athlete as being on Elite swimmers are not going to develop to make their first “A” time or their first Believe it or not, ’s club premature, it puts pressure on a kid that’s commitment in terms of both frequency the elite-level track. Olympic team. coach, Mike Parratto of Seacoast, is not almost overwhelming. overnight. The best thing for coaches to and length of practices. looking for the next Jenny Thompson “We need to get everybody on the same do is to stick to their philosophy and never “We try to create an environment, “I want to hear something and see when his age groupers jump in the pool But none of these clubs rush their page,” Schaffer said. “If the parents rush a swimmer’s long-term development an atmosphere that anybody can be something back from the kid that says, for the first time. In fact, neither are any of swimmers’ development. Each of their aren’t willing to commit to getting them in favor of short-term success at the age successful in and go as far as they can ‘I really want to be here,’ before I open the other coaches interviewed. athletes must have mastered the previous to the pool for the practice involved, or if group level. in swimming. That might just mean my mouth and say, ‘You’re really going to level before moving on to the next. they’re not willing to commit to the level of preparing them for college or something All of them, without exception, stress be good.’” “Coaches need to avoid their personal ego competition and travel involved, then we like that, but we try to develop them and that the first few years should be spent “We want to design the program for the and wait until the kids are developed,” Also, coaches want to be cautious of need to know that. I’m not about telling get them as ready as anybody for the next educating age groupers, teaching them long run, so that they’re able to be their Malone said. “I’ve coached this way since dismissing late bloomers. people what they have to do. We’re big step, whatever that may be.” proper technique and fostering an best at high school age and college age,” on choice.” I began, and maybe that’s why I’ve had environment in which they can have fun Paratto said. “We’re not interested in “It’s really difficult to look at a kid and say, this success. and learn to love the sport. having the best 10-and-under. If they’re ‘That’s an elite swimmer,’” said coach Ray Communication among the coaching staff that talented, we’re not going to hold Grant of the Seekonk Dolphins in Seekonk, concerning the swimmers’ development is “I’ve always stuck to my philosophy, and “I don’t think the goal is to make them them back, but we’re still working on drills Mass. Grant recently worked with Parratto also imperative. All the coaches say having I believe our success has come from the elite swimmers right away,” said Alex and skills and things like that. We’re very at a combined team training camp at the a solid, cohesive coaching staff has been philosophy we’ve practiced over the years. Braunfeld, head coach of Dynamo’s interested in having fast swimmers at the Olympic Training Complex in Colorado the key in their programs’ success over That’s how we’ve made a name Alpharetta facility. “The goal is for them high school age and college age, and we Springs. “You don’t really know what the years. for ourselves.”

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 42 43 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA HIGH PERFORMANCE HIGH PERFORMANCE

3. Allow the shoulders, then the hips to rotate – placing the trunk with the Hip and Shoulder action during chest/back facing the sides of the pool. The first hand to release from the wall is now positioned in front of the trunk Breaststroke and Butterfly Turns and the trailing hand moves over the surface so that both hands will meet Executing either a Breaststroke or Butterfly turn relies upon the same principles in front of the head when the trunk is finally positioned and ready for the from touch to push-off. There are several key actions that, when executed properly, push-off. Both feet contact the wall can increase the overall speed of the turn. at approximately the same depth as the hips.

4. The hand traveling over the water helps to drive the shoulders downward slightly to align the shoulders with the hips. Maximum power in the push-off is achieved when feet – hips – and shoulders are at the same depth.

5. The push-off is executed with the body in a streamlined position; arms extended – hands together – and head tightly squeezed between the upper arms. 1. Reach for the wall with body momentum moving slightly upward as well as forward. Always try to hit the wall at full stretch; this is actually accomplished by slightly adjusting the length of one stroke (or possibly two) when the swimmer is approximately five metres out. Since both butterfly and breaststroke use a front breathing technique, it’s simply a matter of practice before a swimmer becomes experienced enough in judging forward speed and distance into a turn.

2. Once both hands make contact with the wall, release one hand as quickly as possible by drawing the elbow into the trunk. This determines which side the body will rotate toward. 6. The final prone streamline position Simultaneously, the knees are drawn is identical for both breaststroke and up toward the trunk to shorten butterfly turns. Some swimmers angle the body’s radius of rotation; thus their push-off slightly downward. The increasing the speed of rotation. length of the glide is determined by one’s forward velocity. Butterflyers will begin their dolphin kick when their forward velocity is equal to underwater kicking velocity. Breaststrokers will decelerate only to the point where the long underwater pull, or the single dolphin kick that’s permitted by the rules, can be executed to maintain forward velocity.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 44 45 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

42. Do something every day that seems “impossible.” Try kicking 50 meters Goldminds underwater at maximum speed... or sprinting 60 meters on a single breath...or doing a PB from a How to stay motivated wall push-off. Sooner or later, the impossible becomes reality. 14. Play imagination games in training. 43. Form a triathlon team with two friends Imagine the final lap of every set is at school who ride a bike and run, the final lap of the 2012 Olympic final, then compete in a local triathlon. and all you need to do is work hard for a few more strokes and you will win 44. Lead the team cheers at your next the gold medal. meet. Even better, get some of your team together and write some new 15. Make up some unusual, fun and team cheers...and lead them at the weird goals that mean something only next meet. to you—such as how many times you can say “sausages” on a single 45. Be proud of yourself. Look in the breath or what’s the weirdest stroke mirror and take time to realize what you can create. Having fun is the best an amazing person you are. motivation of all. 46. Do something away from the pool ayne Goldsmith and H elen Morris 25. Ask top swimmers (or successful 33. Say one positive, encouraging thing to vto help your swimming. Take an

W 16. Find an upbeat song that you enjoy athletes in any sport) what they do and play it before you get in the water. every person on the team. You will be aerobics class to improve your fitness by “Feel the rhythm” when you are to stay motivated. Learn from them. surprised how motivating others will or a martial arts course to build swimming...and feel it lift you when Copy them. motivate you. strength, balance and confidence. Take up dancing to improve rhythm you get tired. 26. Work hard. Sometimes not thinking 34. Believe anything is possible—never, and coordination. 17. Do stretches that make you feel about it—and just doing it—is all the ever stop believing that. 47. Play a counting game. Count tiles, good. As you stretch, you will begin motivation you need. 35. Buy yourself a new, fast swimsuit. here are 50 tricks, tips times in each event after every laps, turns, breaths, strokes—you to relax into the right mind set for fast season, and see how you improve. 27. Make up a funny, never-ending story 36. Focus on improving in another area know the drill. and techniques you can do swimming. of your life such as school, music, to help you find the fire 8. Remember that you are special. How and tell someone in your lane a small 48. Have a repeat or two in each set that 18. Imagine you are finishing a race another sport. Success breeds when the fire isn’t firing! many people are prepared to get piece of it between repeats. See how is perfect. If you are swimming 10 x when you pass someone in the next success. out of bed at 5 a.m., train hard and long you can make the story. It really 50, always make the second, fifth, 1. Set a daily goal to improve your lane. Thinking about it will ignite the balance school, swimming and life the motivates you to get to the end of the 37. Remember the three best things eighth and 10th ones perfect. swimming by one tenth of one inch. competitive fires! way you do? pool fast. that ever happened to you. Just the 49. Challenge someone much faster than That’s about three-quarters of an 19. Think about how “heavy” you thought thought of these amazing things will you to a race at the end of training. inch a week, three inches a month, 9. Link your seasons by making your the weights were when you first 28. Get some support! Every day, talk to change the way you look at life. Nothing motivates like a three feet a year...and 12 feet every short course PBs this season your started doing weight training. You’re your friends and support, encourage 38. Put up motivational quotes all over real challenge. Olympic cycle! long course PBs next season. probably a lot stronger now than when and motivate each other. the place, such as next to your alarm 50. Smile. It is impossible to smile and not 2. If you are circle-swimming, chase the 10. Try to make your 100 yard kick time you started! 29. Put up some photos of Michael clock, on your swim bag, on the top feel better. feet of the person in front of you. no more than 10 seconds slower than 20. How many push-ups, sit-ups and Phelps, and other of the bathroom mirror and in your your 100 yard PB swim time. Wayne Goldsmith is a leading high- 3. If you are leading the lane, imagine chin-ups can you do now? How many swimming greats on your bedroom training diary. performance sports professional who has the person behind you is a shark or 11. Reward PBs with things that will help did you used to do? Be proud of your wall. Imagine what they would be 39. Get to workout early and motivate worked with many of the leading coaches crocodile, and you need to make sure you do more PBs—buy a video or successes. Enjoy the journey. doing, what they would be thinking some of the younger swimmers on and athletes in Australia and around the you stay ahead of them. book about swimming that will help 21. Be proud of your resilience, your and how they would be training your club. They look up to you and world. Helen Morris, Wayne’s wife, is a 4. Promise yourself a small gift or reward you stay motivated. toughness, your perseverance and each day. admire you the same way you look former swimmer who won a silver and for improving your skills and drills. your character. 12. Understand what motivates you! 30. Finish one task every day. Nothing up to and admire older and more bronze medal at the 1990 Commonwealth After all, technique is the key to successful swimmers. Be a good Games and a silver medal at the 1991 Whatever it is—winning, learning new 22. Imagine how good you will feel when motivates you like finishing something! swimming success. you go home, have dinner and curl up role model. Pan Pacs. She is currently studying skills, challenging yourself—do it! It might be something as simple as 5. Encourage other swimmers—the better in bed tonight. Now, work hard so that adolescent psychology. 13. Find someone on the team who wants homework or one of your daily chores. 40. Be the first—the first one at the pool your teammates perform, the more it feeling comes quickly! to swim fast, and make a commitment or the first person on the team to swim will lift you and your performance. 31. Shave down in training—no reason...it to him or her—a “Partner Promise.” 23. Challenge yourself to turn (or start a lap, a mile, two miles, five miles and For more information contact: just feels great. 6. Keep a training diary and write down Help each other achieve your goals. or finish) better than ever. Before so on. Striving to be the first is a great www.moregold.com.au www.coachingbrain.com three things each day that you Encourage one another, meet at the you know it, you will feel better and 32. Stay positive. Everyone has tough driving force. improved. pool early to do some extra work motivated to train hard. days—the difference is how you allow 41. Try a new sports drink...or sports bar... 7. Keep a personal-best (PB) record together and support each other 24. Think of each lap as an opportunity to those tough days to affect you. Tough or a new all-natural diet. Motivate sheet on your wall. List your best through the tough times. improve in an area of your swimming. times fade...tough people never do. your “inside.”

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 46 47 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA HIGH PERFORMANCE HIGH PERFORMANCE

Consistency in turning technique comes from Tips on the Backstroke practice. Maximising the effectiveness (i.e. distance and speed) of the turn Tumble Turn comes from concentration and effort.

1. Swim into the turn and count strokes In our April-June 2007 under the backstroke flags; try to issue of ‘Swimming in maintain maximum forward velocity as Australia’, the article the body rolls into a prone position. “Optimising Swim Turn Performance” provided 2. The recovery arm crosses over a detailed explanation the trunk to roll the body from a supine to a prone position. The arm of the mechanics of the already underwater completes its’ freestyle tumble turn. stroke as does the arm that initiated The major points of the body roll. emphasis from that article were: 3. When the last armstroke is completed the hands are next to the hips and the • Maintain swim-in velocity, head drops as the body rolls forward.

• Initiate rotation at the appropriate 4. During mid-rotation the head remains distance from the wall, in a tuck position and the arms are kept within the width of the shoulders. • Body position at the point of feet ‘contact’ with the wall is important, 5. Both feet strike the wall • The line of forces during the push-off simultaneously. Notice that the feet – hips – and head are at the same depth must be in the direction of travel, so that maximum power is generated • Maintain streamlined body position by the push-off. throughout the push-off, 6. A streamlined body position is • Underwater kicking should start when maintained after the push-off. forward velocity is ‘race pace’, and This glide phase finishes when • Stroke resumption should occur at forward velocity equals underwater kicking velocity race pace. 7. Streamlined body position must be maintained during the dolphin kick.

8. The body angles up to the surface as a quick transition is made from dolphin The backstroke tumble- to flutter kicking. turn is essentially the 9. It’s important to resume stroking at the same as the freestyle appropriate rate; the first armstroke turn, with two begins before the face breaks the exceptions: Once the backstroke itself is mastered, every swimmer should be capable of adding this surface and the first complete arm skill to their technical repertoire. Properly executed tumble-turns should be used during cycle is performed without hesitation. 1. The approach must turn the body all training swims, so the swimmer develops a sense of their forward momentum in from supine to prone position, and relation to distance from the wall.

2. During the final push-off the Backstrokers should try to stay underwater for a slightly longer period off the turn (i.e. swimmer remains in a supine travelling no more than 15m) than freestylers to maximise the potential of a streamlined position rather than rotating into a dolphin kick. Endurance is developed by constantly trying to achieve maximum distance prone position. at race speed during the underwater phase. Under conditions of fatigue or race stress the swimmer must be able to concentrate on staying underwater while maintaining a streamlined body position and applying force through the dolphin kicking action.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 48 49 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Industry Development Industry Development

Keeping your “Eye on the ball” Swim Schools - Average Incurred by body part $80,000.00 $70,000.00 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Law relating to obvious risk in recreational activities $60,000.00 ABOUT RECREATIONAL RISKS There have been recent updates to the NSW Legislation concerning recreational $50,000.00 activities. The burden is now on the claimant to take reasonable care of their own safety $40,000.00 If you operate a swimming pool, in a sport or recreational activity that is an obvious risk. Also the legislation states that no $30,000.00 your business activities may duty of care is owed to someone who engages in a recreational activity that is subject to $20,000.00 involve recreational risks. a risk warning. $10,000.00 In the event of an injury during a A decision of the NSW Court of Appeal (Action Paintball v Clarke [2005] NSWCA 170) is $0.00 recreational activity, many people would a good example. Mr Clarke was playing paintball in heavy rain on wet and slippery terrain ied Leg eeth Feet simply pick themselves up and move when he slipped and fractured his ankle. He sued Action Paintball on the basis that they Elbow Back T Wrist Head Knee on, recognising the risk associated Shoulder had breached their duty of care to him by allowing the game to continue in unreasonably Unspecifi with partaking. There are some people risky conditions. Not applicable however, who would choose to make a claim, holding you responsible for their It was held that the cause of Mr Clarke falling was the slippery terrain, but despite being Graph 2. Average cost per claim arranged by body part injured well aware of the condition of the ground from the rain, he continued to play. As Mr injuries. If such a claim then goes to Graph 2 depicts the most expensive bodily areas of injury. From experience, it is fair to say that the most injuries incurred in a swim Clarke appreciated the obvious risk presented by the slippery ground, he was unable to court, whether or not you are found to be school environment are to the external limbs of a person. It is crucial to take all necessary precautions to decrease the risk of such demonstrate on the balance of probabilities that it was unreasonable for Action Paintball negligent, you may end up paying a large injuries occurring, this includes ensuring that the tiling inside the pool is examined regularly for sharp edges and chips. amount in legal fees to defend your case. to allow the game to continue. Making sure participants do not dive into the pool in the wrong areas or using an inappropriate technique, can avoid expensive claims. The principles expressed in this, and other similar cases, are highly applicable to swim Take the example of the woman who was Although dental injuries are not predominately featured in the above graph, the frequency of claims arising from this type of injury is school environments, where, more often than not, the floor of the premises is wet. The worried about her son during a swimming astonishing. lesson and walked down the pool deck court confirmed that when it comes to the duty of care owed in sport or recreational wearing thongs and slipped as a result. activities involving obvious risk, the standard of care for adults who choose to participate She suffered a severe spiral fracture to for personal enjoyment includes a measure of responsibility for their own personal safety. So what can you do to better protect your company For further information on her shin bone leaving her permanently In the case of children, a swim school operator should be aware that any waivers and decrease your risk exposure should a claim be recreational risks, or to take disabled. She is now making a claim out insurance to protect signed by a child’s parent are not binding legal documents. Parents cannot sign away made against you? We would recommend the following: against the swim school. their child’s legal right to make a claim. However, if the parent is made highly aware of yourself in the event of a claim the risks involved in the activity, there exists a better defense for the swim school if they 1. Record all incidents so that you can 4. Ensure that non-slip mats are available against your swim school, Or the child who ignored instructions to contact ASCTA Insurance are sued. ascertain how regularly patrons are for all areas that are highly affected evacuate a pool float, causing him to be Brokers on 1300 305 575. struck in the head by another child and injured. If it is not frequent – then you by water. Ensure also that the flooring Article composed by Marianne Lim and to suffer dental injuries and a fractured are in a better position. If it is frequent materials are made to be non-slip. Statistics of previous claims arising in swim school environments Chelsea Jiang, Proclaim Management skull. Although both child and parent have and a trend develops, then you may 5. If there are industry regulations Solutions Pty Ltd. previously admitted that the child was not Below are two graphs encompassing claims statistics derived from our past six years of have to scrutinise why and decide relating to the activity – make sure listening to instructions, the parent is now experience dealing with swim school environments. whether there is anything that can be you comply with these regulations. threatening to sue the swim school. This article is intended as a general done to reduce injuries, eg. fix and Especially on the issue of the ratio overview and should not be relied upon Graph 1. Average Cost Per Claim service equipment. of swimming instructors to students as a substitute for professional advice. from 2001-2006 required. 2. Report the incident to your insurer Proclaim Management Solutions Pty As the graph shows, the average cost of a as soon as possible, particularly if 6. Make sure you have properly trained Limited is an insurance liability and claim has dropped significantly between Swim Schools - Average Incurred by year the injuries are serious, so that your staff to give instructions. professional liability claims specialist. 2005 and 2007 from the levels of 2004. $25,000.00 insurer can contact the injured person ASCTA Insurance Brokers is a trading This is due to the fact that many claims 7. Waiver forms, warning signs and and start gathering information to name of Marsh Pty Limited ABN 86 004 were made in 2004, prior to the National induction programs are all very helpful $20,000.00 assess liability. 651 512 AFSL 238983. Tort Reforms in every state, in fear that to argue that the adult participant was prospects of success would be limited 3. If you have equipment and machines, fully aware and thus the risks were $15,000.00 after the Reforms. make sure there is a regular obvious (especially in NSW). maintenance and/or servicing program Although the average cost of claims 8. Ensure that warning signs are $10,000.00 to check that they are operating has been lowered, this should not be displayed in prominent areas and clear correctly. Maintenance checks of interpreted as a decline in the litigious instructions are given to all adults and $5,000.00 float devices, tiles in and around nature of today’s society. The decline children when participating in a class. is however attributed to many swim the pool area, and any recreational $0.00 schools becoming more aware of risk equipment to ensure that all areas are 9. Conduct regular independent risk 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 and therefore implementing measures to functioning well. audits on the premises. manage them.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 50 51 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA news news Justin Norris: Stoked with success both in an out of the water

Dual Olympian, Olympic style that encapsulates the best of the past with and receiving advice from fellow bronze medallist and and the present. “ coaches and swimming organisations such as ASCTA and Austswim and says it is triple Commonwealth Norris, with his curly golden locks as his great to have such a strong camaraderie Games gold medallist, trademark takes up the story. JUSTIN NORRIS can now add amongst them. “We built it (the swim academy) from “Some really big influences in terms of successful businessman scratch, from a paddock and it was really getting involved with me have been and swimming coach exciting being a part of that process,” Laurie Lawrence, Eric and Shane Arnold to his growing list of he said. achievements. and Alan Bentley, who runs a swim school “It was not an option at that stage to in Penrith. The Olympic bronze medallist keep swimming, business took over and I “It was really helpful to have those guys in the 200m butterfly in needed to work.” putting their input in freely with things like Sydney 2000 who was dubbed Norris admits his financial backers took maintaining a pool which I didn’t know swimming’s ‘rock star’ and famed a big risk lending him “the millions of much about.” for his catchphrase “I’m stoked,” dollars” needed to fund the building of the has endured his share pools, saying he had no credibility aside One of the men who had a huge impact of difficulties since the banks from being an Olympian that he would in Norris’s life was his former coach, Eric Arnold, who passed away recently after took a risk and lent him the succeed as a swim school owner. a battle with cancer – a huge loss to the money to open a swim school “We were lucky the banks and the (local) Australian Swimming community. “We were lucky because the things we “We’re about enforcing good habits something I am passionate about,” in 2005 but three years on and people took a chance on us and we have thought were going to work generally did.” in terms of stroke and style from the Norris said. But Norris will play a major part in Justin Norris is already planning been able to deliver,” he said. beginning, so when they do reach the While Norris doesn’t think his role as an “I’m just trying to be the best in the world, bigger and better things…HOLIIE delivering the Eric Arnold legacy time where they are considering becoming “It was a big risk, I mean I could swim elite athlete is directly relevant to his role just like when I was an athlete. “ SMITH reports. to swimmers in the greater Newcastle involved further in the sport, their style up and down a pool and make a faster at the swim academy, he believes a lot community. won’t need to be changed.” You get the feeling the Justin Norris Swim AFTER arriving home in Newcastle from time than most people but I didn’t have of philosophies from his time as an elite Arnold coached Norris through a Academy will play a major part in the the Athens Olympics in 2004 with his any experience.” swimmer are relevant. Norris said his academy focuses on successful career which included an development of an exciting generation of pregnant wife Brooke, Justin Norris had taking swimmers to a specific level and In 2007 Norris announced he was in fact Olympic bronze in the 200m butterfly at “A lot of the dynamics that being a part of a Aussie kids. some decisions to make not only about his once they reach that level the academy back in training and was expected to the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and bronze team offers are relevant,” he said. future but the future of his growing family. leads them in the direction of a more For more information on make a comeback this year at the Olympic at the 2001 FINA World Championships in “For example people like Don Talbot and competitive swim club. the Justin Norris Swim The decision was a big one and one that Trials, but once again his situation the 200m individual medley. the way he led the team when he was Academy visit http://www. has ultimately paid off for the laid-back changed and swimming professionally was “We mainly develop them ... we don’t do justinnorrisswimacademy.com/ coaching, I really appreciate the way he 27-year-old, with the pair deciding to no longer an option. “For me, Eric had a really big impact on a any hardcore coaching,” he said. structured them. move back to Newcastle from the AIS in lot of people in a really positive way, so it So after a successful career in the pool Explaining the commitment needed to Canberra where Norris trained, to start is really sad to lose such a great person,” Norris finally announced his retirement “Getting the most out of a swimming team become a coach at an elite level is one he their own swim school. last year from the sport that he was so Norris said. is very similar to working with a small is not willing to make. Norris put his career as an athlete on the dedicated to for so long. business and getting the most out of that.“ “His philosophies on what I’ve been “It’s a massive commitment to become a back burner, swimming his last meet in “In 2007 I had a good opportunity (to start doing as a swimmer and with opening the And Norris must be getting a lot out of his top coach and it’s hard for the family,” September 2005, before embarking on racing again) then circumstances changed business still live on. team, revealing his desire to open a second he said. a new career path in December 2005 and I had to stop,” he said. Swim Academy. when he and Brooke began building the “It will be sad not to be able to ask “If you want to be a good coach you need Justin Norris Swim Academy in Maitland, “I didn’t think I was going to retire, and him questions.” “I’d like to do another centre; we are to put in more time than the athlete. “ NSW – a town of 62,000, nestled in the then late last year I signed the papers. currently in Maitland so we would like Aside from the advice and help Norris has Norris who has two young daughters says lower reaches of the Hunter Valley – just to open another centre in the Greater “It will be hard watching the Trials received from friends and fellow coaches teaching children to swim and develop two hours north of Sydney and 30 minutes Maitland area. “ and thinking I could have been there, such as Arnold, he believes one of the their skills in terms of stroke and style is from the famous wine country. but things come up and you have to go main reasons behind his success was Norris’s swim academy’s flagship program something he is incredibly passionate about And you get the feeling that Maitland has with it.” ‘keeping it real’. is infant aquatics and his team specialise in and loves to do. Justin Norris’s signature all over it. the development of young swimmers. Since making the transition from swim “You just have to keep it real, think about “I think for me being a swimmer at an Maitland is described as “a stunning blend star to swimming coach and business what is going to work and not going to “I would go as far as saying we have one of elite level doesn’t have a direct relevance of “funky heritage” and contemporary owner Norris has been in constant contact work,” he said. the best programs in the world,” he said. to what we are doing here; it’s more

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 52 53 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA ascta’s Learn-to-Swim Division Ph.: 61 (0)7 3376 0933 Fax.: 61 (0)7 3376 0944 DEVELOPING THE SWIM INDUSTRY [email protected] www.swimaustralia.org.au PO Box 12, Bellbowrie Qld 4070

Tips on Teaching the Breaststroke Kick The ABC’s of Coaching The breaststroke kick is difficult to master as the positions of the feet are dissimilar to Australian Unity – the new major sponsor of Staff for Peak most movements the young child has previously performed on land or in the water. Swim Australia - Learn to Swim Performance Firstly on dry land gently manipulate the feet propel themselves through the pool with legs through the range of motion (the circular As apart of this year’s pumping and feet turned out in a natural As the mother of a four-year-old We look forward to spreading the word action from plantar flexion to dorsi flexion dorsi flexed position. These are the children SwimFEST Swim Australia daughter, I can see first-hand about the benefits of swimming and to plantar flexion). Repeat this movement who often master the breaststroke kick in a supporting Swim Australia and its Valuable SwimTIPS numerous times. the importance of swimming will once again be running few easy lessons while their planter flexed Australian Unity Learn to Swim program. Encourage the child to repeat these circular counterparts practice breaststroke drills for lessons from both a safety and Available a workshop for Swim School Happy swimming! Managers, Supervisors and movements of their own accord. The next many weeks. health perspective. Since the last edition of step whilst on dry land is to ask the child to the like. Teachers can refine the kick of Amanda Hagan Swimming in Australia, the lie on their stomach with legs out stretched While safety is often the driving force Group Executive and knees slightly apart then repeat the these naturel breaststrokers by following issues of SwimTIPS This year’s workshop title is “The for many parents to enrol their children Australian Unity Health following sequence which replicates the asking the children to… ABC’s of Coaching Staff for Peak for swimming lessons, it is becoming have been released. breaststroke kicking action. 1. Push both legs back at the same time About Australian Unity Performance” presented by the and glide into a streamlined position. increasingly important to establish 1. Lift the feet up toward the buttocks by Issue 21 amazing Janine Ramsey. The intensive healthy exercise habits early in life. At Australian Unity, our health insurance bending at the knee. 2. Hold the glide for a few seconds with • Put your “first time parent” glasses half-day workshop will focus on 5 key the soles of feet “sunny side up” fund covers more than 305,000 people. 2. Pull the toes toward the knee (dorsi At Australian Unity, we understand If you’re for health, we’re for you. Your on! aspects of effective staff coaching: flex). 3. Stand up, take a breath, repeat. the many health benefits associated wellness is the most important thing no • Foundations required for 4. If the child performs one kick and glide • Lightly does it! 3. Rotate so the toes are pointing with swimming. We know that regular matter what age you are. successful coaching outward. correctly then a second kick and glide exercise, such as swimming, can help can be added (Kick glide, kick glide, • This old pool! • Understanding Personal Styles 4. Extend the legs with the feet That’s why we believe in giving our stand). With each correct kick, glide to reduce the risk of obesity, asthma, maintained in the dorsi-flexed position. • Face under fun • Analysing performance problems, the teacher asks the child to add an heart disease, diabetes and other health members more than just health cover. including poor motivation 5. Bring the feet together and plantar flex. extra kick, glide before standing related issues.That’s why we are thrilled We help you to manage your health and • Breaststroke, Backstroke & Fly Again gently assist in the manipulation • Structuring the Coaching 5. The number of kick and glides can to announce our major sponsorship of reward you for healthy habits like losing of the child’s feet and legs for the first Tips “Conversation” increase to the maximum number the Swim Australia and its Learn to Swim weight, quitting smoking and getting a GP few times. • What is extended Apnoea? • Giving Feedback Effectively child comfortably performs within one program. health check up. 6. The final dry land exercise is to breath. If you have staff members who are encourage the child to perform the • The Laryngeal reflex 6. If the child performs an incorrect kick As part of the Australian Unity Australian Unity Health is part of the not performing up to your standards kicking movements independently. or doesn’t glide, return to one kick, sponsorship, we have supplied 170 Australian Unity group which also offers • Is your child ready for school? then don’t miss this opportunity to These dry land exercises are very helpful in glide and stand. swim schools around Australia with financial services and retirement living learn more about how to use Coaching assisting the young child to develop these • What can parents do to promote 7. Avoid allowing children to continue new kickboards, backstroke flags and services to more than 400,000 customers. Skills to improve your staff’s workplace unfamiliar motor patterns. their child’s development down the pool repeating an incorrect banners. We hope this equipment makes performance. Teaching the Natural kick. Stop the child, provide feedback At Australian Unity your wellbeing is at the it easier for swim schools to continue Breaststroker and start again. heart of everything we do. Issue 22 to provide children with high quality Here’s what Some children appear to be born 8. Practice correct technique over a For more information visit • Why can’t they just jump in… isn’t others have to breaststrokers, like little penguins, they shorter distance. lessons. www.australianunity.com.au it easy? walk around with their feet turned out and Reprinted from SwimTIPS Issue 10 say about Janine’s in the water they look like little frogs. They • Jumping workshops … 3rd Leadership Master Class • How does this effect swimming? “It’s not until you take a professional • Songs & activities to enhance Just recently Swim Australia teamed up “Bruce once again delivered a fabulous development course that you realize with highly sought after Bruce Sullivan Leadership Master Class. Whether a first jumping skills how important and beneficial they are. to run the 3rd Leadership Master Class timer or re-sitter, the information was • Kid talk! I thought I was a good teacher but now in Melbourne. This time around we had presented in an exciting and motivating I’m a better one. C Caruana people doing their LSI 1 & 2 (Life Style way.” Heather Rose (Re-tester), Paul • What’s the midline got to do with “Well worth the 1 ½ hour drive Inventories - looks at your perceptions Sadler Swimland learning to swim? and the perceptions of your colleagues/ each way and the late arrival home “This is the second time I have done a associates of your leadership and • Activity to help littlies develop (midnight!) So good that I closed my leadership master class and I was amazed management styles and abilities) for the midline. whole Swim School for the day so all that I would actually get more out of it first time … as well as re-testers. Re- staff could come.” S Pryor Adelaide this time than I did last time. I can’t wait • Try a little tenderness testers, from the 1st Master Class (Sydney until I get another opportunity to improve “It’s great to be inspired, educated and 06) and 2nd (Gold Coast 07) saw if they myself. It is not often that you can really entertained while learning. Something had made improvements – and enjoyed sit back and evaluate your own actions. Produced by Barbara Nolan six times a the ‘refresher’ aspects. so important and worth while” B This course has made me really think year for Swim Australia, SwimTIPS is a Faragher Mackay Here what others had to say about our about the effect my actions have on those subscription based publication. “Great seminar even though it was way Leadership Master Class with Bruce: around me.” Shona Osborne (Re-tester), For more details, check out the past my bedtime I stayed awake and Paul Sadler Swimland “You generally see yourself through ‘rose Learn to Swim SwimSTORE of the Members section listened to it all because it was all so coloured glasses’ and this is an excellent Swim Australia will be holding another on the website www.swimaustralia. great” T Neill Launceston exercise to evaluate your behavior becoming Leadership Master Class as part of the Swim Australia spreads its “Learn to Swim – at a Swim School registered with Swim org.au or contact the Swim Australia more aware of how you interact with others. SwimFEST at the annual ascta Convention Australia” message at the Pregnancy Babies and Children’s Expo in Melbourne to over For further details or to register contact Administration Centre on (07)3376 Just the simple awareness breeds a greater on the Gold Coast in May. For details 17,000 parents. During 2008, Swim Australia will be represented at these Expos in Swim Australia on (07) 3376 0933 or 0933 or [email protected]. effectiveness.” Peter Howes (First Timer), contact Swim Australia on (07) 3376 0933 Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. [email protected] Paul Sadler Swimland or [email protected]. AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (JX) 2007- 08 CRITERIA & QUALIFYING TIMES BOYS 2007-08 JX QUALIFYING TIMES 9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years 13 Years Events and times recognised under the JX are listed on the attached table. Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 9 and 10 year-olds 50 FS 37.00 40.00 42.00 46.00 35.00 36.00 37.00 40.00 32.50 33.50 35.00 38.00 30.50 33.00 34.00 37.00 29.00 30.00 31.00 35.00 Green standard At least 1 Tier 4 time in any of the specified events 100 FS 1:10.00 1:13.00 1:16.00 1:24.00 1:06.00 1:08.00 1:12.00 1:19.00 1:03.00 1:05.00 1:08.00 1:15.00 Bronze standard At least 1 Tier 3 time in any of the specified events 200 FS 2:21.00 2:25.00 2:30.00 2:45.00 2:15.00 2:19.00 2:24.00 2:37.00 Silver standard At least 1 Tier 2 time in any of the specified events 400 FS 4:52.00 5:02.00 5:12.00 5:43.00 4:43.00 4:52.00 5:02.00 5:30.00 Gold standard At least 1 Tier 1 time in any of the specified events 1500 18:45.00 19:05.00 19:25.00 20:32.00 Gold Star standard At least 1 Tier 1 time in 3 or more of the specified events FS 9 & 10 year old times will be recognised from both short course and long course 50 BK 45.00 48.00 50.00 55.00 42.00 44.00 46.00 49.00 38.50 41.00 43.00 47.00 37.00 40.00 42.00 46.00 34.50 37.50 40.00 44.00 events. 100 BK 1:21.00 1:24.00 1:27.00 1:36.00 1:17.00 1:20.00 1:24.00 1:32.00 1:13.00 1:16.00 1:19.00 1:27.00

2:38.00 2:43.00 2:49.00 3:09.00 2:28.00 2:34.00 2:42.00 2:56.00 11-13 year-olds 200 BK Green standard At least 1 Tier 4 time in any of the specified events 50 BRS 50.00 53.00 55.00 1:00.00 47.00 50.00 52.00 56.00 44.00 47.00 49.00 52.00 41.50 44.00 47.00 51.00 38.50 41.00 43.00 48.00 100 Bronze standard At least 1 Tier 3 time in any of the specified events 1:32.50 1:36.00 1:40.00 1:50.00 1:27.00 1:31.50 1:36.00 1:46.00 1:21.00 1:24.50 1:28.50 1:37.00 BRS Silver standard At least 1 Tier 2 or Tier 1 time in any of the specified events 200 2:58.00 3:08.00 3:16.00 3:36.00 2:50.00 2:58.00 3:05.00 3:20.00 Gold standard At least 1 Tier 1 time in 2 or more of the specified events BRS 11 -13 year old times will be recognised from long course events only. 50 BF 44.00 47.00 50.00 55.00 39.00 42.00 45.00 49.00 36.00 39.00 42.00 46.00 35.00 37.00 38.00 42.00 31.50 34.00 36.00 40.00 1:18.50 1:23.00 1:28.00 1:37.00 1:14.00 1:19.00 1:24.00 1:33.00 1:09.00 1:12.00 1:16.00 1:25.00 The 2007-08 JX program will recognise performances from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008. To qualify for the program, all that 100 BF is required is to achieve one or more of the JX time standards. All awardees are automatically notified through their clubs by the 200 BF 2:35.00 2:42.00 2:50.00 3:11.00 2:25.00 2:32.00 2:40.00 3:00.00 relevant State Swimming Association after the 31 March closing date. Visit the JX section of your State Association’s website to 200 IM 3:25.00 3:35.00 3:45.00 3:56.00 3:05.00 3:15.00 3:25.00 3:35.00 2:50.00 2:55.00 3:03.00 3:18.00 2:42.00 2:48.00 2:52.00 3:07.00 2:33.00 2:39.00 2:45.00 2:58.00 determine meets eligible for JX. 400 IM 5:19.00 5:35.00 5:47.00 6:20.00 Please note that where a child turns 11 years of age during the season and records times as both a 10 year-old and an 11 year- old, he/she will receive either a cap or a T shirt (not both), depending on the highest standard achieved in either of those age groups – i.e. gold, silver, bronze or green.JX Criteria & Qualifying Times updated August 2007

GIRLS 2007-08 JX QUALIFYING TIMES

9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years 13 Years

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (JX)

50 FS 37.00 40.00 42.00 46.00 35.00 36.00 37.00 40.00 32.50 33.50 35.00 38.00 31.50 32.50 33.50 36.00 30.00 31.00 32.00 34.50 2007- 08 CRITERIA FOR OPEN WATER SWIMMING (OWS)

100 FS 1:11.00 1:14.00 1:17.00 1:24.00 1:07.00 1:10.00 1:13.00 1:19.00 1:05.00 1:07.00 1:10.00 1:17.00

2:22.00 2:25.00 2:33.00 2:45.00 2:18.00 2:23.00 2:27.00 2:41.00 200 FS Events and distances recognised 400 FS 4:55.00 5:05.00 5:15.00 5:45.00 4:45.00 4:55.00 5:05.00 5:35.00 under the JX may differ by state. 2008 800 FS 9:50.00 10:05.00 10:25.00 11:20.00 JX OWS recognises only 12 and 13 year 50 BK 45.00 48.00 50.00 55.00 42.00 44.00 46.00 49.00 39.00 41.00 43.00 47.00 38.00 40.00 41.00 45.00 36.00 38.00 40.00 44.00 competitors All 12 year old and 13 ing au year old finishers in the 2.5km and mm stra 100 BK 1:21.00 1:23.00 1:27.00 1:36.00 1:19.00 1:21.00 1:24.00 1:29.00 1:15.00 1:18.00 1:21.00 1:30.00 i li 5km event will be, at a minimum, sw a 200 BK 2:42.00 2:48.00 2:53.00 3:09.00 2:38.00 2:44.00 2:50.00 3:03.00 awarded Green level under the JX. 50 BRS 50.00 53.00 55.00 1:00.00 47.00 50.00 52.00 56.00 44.00 47.00 49.00 52.00 42.00 44.00 46.50 50.00 40.50 42.00 43.50 48.00

100 • Gold level - Top 20%, rounded up to the next 1:32.50 1:36.00 1:40.00 1:50.00 1:29.50 1:32.50 1:36.00 1:46.00 1:25.00 1:28.00 1:31.50 1:40.00 BRS competitor, of finishers 200 3:02.00 3:11.00 3:20.00 3:36.00 2:55.00 3:03.00 3:10.00 3:23.00 • Silver level - Next 20%, rounded up to the next BRS competitor, of finishers 50 BF 44.00 47.00 50.00 55.00 39.00 42.00 45.00 49.00 37.00 40.00 42.00 46.00 35.50 38.00 39.00 41.00 33.50 35.00 36.50 40.00 • Bronze level - Next 20%, rounded up to the next 100 BF 1:19.00 1:23.00 1:28.00 1:32.00 1:16.00 1:20.00 1:24.00 1:33.00 1:12.00 1:15.00 1:19.00 1:28.00 au competitor, of finishers str ram alia prog 200 BF 2:42.00 2:50.00 2:55.00 3:11.00 2:35.00 2:40.00 2:46.00 3:03.00 • Green level - Final 40% of finishers. junior excellence 200 IM 3:25.00 3:35.00 3:45.00 3:56:00 3:05.00 3:15.00 3:25.00 3:35.00 2:51.00 2:56.00 3:03.00 3:18.00 2:46.00 2:52.00 2:55.00 3:07.00 2:39.00 2:45.00 2:50.00 3:01.00

400 IM 5:25.00 5:43.00 5:55.00 6:30.00 SWD AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR 2007-08 BOYS & GIRLS Swimmer With a Disability (SWD) Disability International PointScore (DIPS) JX standards 9 years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years 13 Years EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (JX) 2007- 08 CRITERIA & DIPS Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 50 FS 200 160 80 60 240 200 150 100 280 240 190 140 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220 Events and DIPS recognised under the JX are listed on the attached table. 100 FS 280 240 190 140 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220 9 and 10 year-olds 200 FS 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220

Green standard At least 1 Tier 4 DIPS time in any of the specified events 400 FS 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220

Bronze standard At least 1 Tier 3 DIPS time in any of the specified events 800/1500 FS 360 320 270 220

Silver standard At least 1 Tier 2 DIPS time in any of the specified events 50 BK 200 160 80 60 240 200 150 100 280 240 190 140 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220

Gold standard At least 1 Tier 1 DIPS time in any of the specified events 100 BK 280 240 190 140 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220 200 BK 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220 Gold Star standard At least 1 Tier 1 DIPS time in 3 or more of the specified 50 BRS 200 160 80 60 240 200 150 100 280 240 190 140 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220 events 100 BRS 280 240 190 140 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220

200 BRS 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220

9 & 10 year old times will be recognised from both short course and long course events in both 50 BF 200 160 80 60 240 200 150 100 280 240 190 140 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220

SWD an able bodied competitions 100 BF 280 240 190 140 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220

11-13 year-olds 200 BF 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220 200 IM 200 160 80 60 240 200 150 100 280 240 190 140 320 280 230 180 360 320 270 220 Green standard At least 1 Tier 4 DIPS time in any of the specified events 400 IM 360 320 270 220 Bronze standard At least 1 Tier 3 DIPS time in any of the specified events

Silver standard At least 1 Tier 2 DIPS time in any of the specified events

Gold standard At least 1 Tier 1 DIPS time in 2 or more of the specified events

11 -13 year old times will be recognised from long course events only, in both SWD and able bodied competitions. The 2007-08 SWD JX program will recognise performances from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008. To qualify for the program, all that is required is to achieve one or more of the JX DIPS standards at a JX sanctioned event. All awardees are automatically JX Season in full swing notified through their clubs by the relevant State Swimming Association after the 31 March closing date. Visit the JX section of your State Association’s website to determine meets eligible for JX. The 2007-08 season of the Australian Junior • a JX certificate of achievement signed by the captain of Excellence (JX) program is well and truly the Australian Swim Team – Grant Hackett Please note that where a child turns 11 years of age during the season and records times as both a 10 year-old and an 11 year- underway. old, he/she will receive either a cap or a T shirt (not both), depending on the highest standard achieved in either of those age • a JX motivational poster featuring elite Australian JX continues to get bigger and better with the inclusion of groups – i.e. gold, silver, bronze or green. swimmers SWD and Open Water categories just in time for the final SWD JX Criteria & Qualifying Times updated December 2007 meets of the season. • publication of their name on this website

JX SWD DIPS TABLE JX recognizes, rewards, and encourages junior swimmers for Australia is one of the top swimming nations in the world and by achieving the Green, Bronze, Silver or Gold JX standard, 9 years 10 years 11 years 12 years 13years achieving time standards. The 2007/08 criteria and times junior swimmers are on the pathway to international success. Tier 1 200 240 280 320 360 are now available on the JX page of the Swimming Australia

Tier 2 160 200 240 280 320 website Visit the ‘Swim Clubs’ section of the swimming Australia website to find out more about JX 2008: Tier 3 80 150 190 230 270 Swimmers and coaches should be aware of these times and www.swimming.org.au Tier 4 60 100 140 180 220 be using them to set goals for upcoming competition. 2008 JX Awardees will be finalised in April and will receive Clubs can also download a JX poster to for display at reward packs through their local swimming club. imming austra club level. sw lia Qualification dates and restrictions may differ by state. Under JX, swimmers aged from 9 to 13 years who accomplish For further details please contact your State Swimming set times qualify at Gold, Silver, Bronze or Green standard, Association. depending on their best performance/s during the season. For Swimming Australia would like to thank the Swimming doing so, qualifiers receive special Foundation and all state and territory swimming associations JX recognition pack which includes: for their investment in Australia’s swimming future. a ust am ralia rogr junior excellence p foundation • a JX cap (9 & 10 year-olds) or JX shirt (11 to 13 year-olds) Good luck to all prospective JX swimmers. Event Calendar 2008 March 2008 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Frequently Asked Questions Australian Open Australian Open 17 18 19 20 21 Swimming Championships 22 Swimming Championships 23 (Olympic Selection Trials), (Olympic Selection Trials), Sydney Olympic Pool Sydney Olympic Pool Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association

Australian Open Australian Open Australian Open Australian Open Australian Open Australian Open Swimming Championships 24 Swimming Championships 25 Swimming Championships 26 Swimming Championships 27 Swimming Championships 28 Swimming Championships 29 30 (Olympic Selection Trials), (Olympic Selection Trials), (Olympic Selection Trials), (Olympic Selection Trials), (Olympic Selection Trials), (Olympic Selection Trials), Sydney Olympic Pool Sydney Olympic Pool Sydney Olympic Pool Sydney Olympic Pool Sydney Olympic Pool Sydney Olympic Pool Supporting the They are coaching Assistant Coach’ course, but are development of Australian professionals who are key educational components of the April 2008 Swimming Professionals. qualified to: Bronze course. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY NCAS accredited ‘Green’ Australian Age Australian Age Australian Age Australian Age • Coach junior swimmers (i.e. The Bronze coaching course adds 1 2 Championships, Chandler 3 Championships, Chandler 4 Championships, Chandler 5 Championships, Chandler 6 Pool, Brisbane Pool, Brisbane Pool, Brisbane Pool, Brisbane Coaches will become ascta swimmers 12-years and younger) greater depth to a coach’s knowledge accredited ‘Junior Squad & who are in the early stages of the and introduces a number of skills Australian Age Australian Age FINA World Short-Course FINA World Short- FINA World Short- FINA World Short- FINA World Short- Championships, Chandler 7 Championships, Chandler 8 Championships, , 9 Course Championships, 10 Course Championships, 11 Course Championships, 12 Course Championships, 13 Assistant Coaches’ competitive swimming development. required to coach independently in a Pool, Brisbane Pool, Brisbane England Manchester, England Manchester, England Manchester, England Manchester, England Australian Age Championships, range of situations typical of the Swim Chandler Pool, Brisbane and/or Australian Age ‘Open Australian Age ‘Open Following a recent review of Club environment. Water’ Championships, 14 Water’ Championships, 15 16 17 18 19 20 • Assist a suitably qualified and Kawana Waters, QLD Kawana Waters, QLD Swimming Australia’s coach licenced Coach in the delivery of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS education pathway and structure, 21 22 23 24 Swimming Australia 25 Swimming Australia 26 Swimming Australia 27 competitive swimming programs for Q: i completed my ‘Green’ accreditation Grand Prix # 1, Australian Grand Prix # 1, Australian Grand Prix # 1, Australian Institute of Sport, Institute of Sport, Institute of Sport, the qualification of ‘Green’ Coach age-group (i.e. 13-18 years) and requirements a couple of years ago and Canberra Canberra Canberra (under the National Coaching open swimmers. have held a licence to coach since that 28 Australasian Oceania 29 Australasian Oceania 30 Swimming Professionals Swimming Professionals Accreditation Scheme – NCAS) time – will I be able to continue to coach? Convention & Trade Expo, Convention & Trade Expo, Sofitel Hotel, Sofitel Hotel, A: Yes, your qualification is still current, Broadbeach, QLD Broadbeach, QLD will be re-branded as the ascta ‘Junior Squad & Assistant Coach’. Coaching age-group competitive swimmers continuous ascta membership (i.e. this is May 2008 requires higher-order competencies also ‘coach membership’ with Swimming that include the planning of annual Australia Ltd.) keeps your licence current. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Why the Change? Australasian Oceania Australasian Oceania Australasian Oceania Australasian Oceania and short-term training cycles, team Swimming Professionals 1 Swimming Professionals 2 Swimming Professionals 3 Swimming Professionals 4 Simply put, the re-branding will better Q: what will happen when my NCAS Convention & Trade Expo, Convention & Trade Expo, Convention & Trade Expo, Convention & Trade Expo, development, performance assessment, Sofitel Hotel, Sofitel Hotel, Sofitel Hotel, Sofitel Hotel, represent and depict the level of the accreditation as a ‘Green’ Coach expires Broadbeach, QLD Broadbeach, QLD Broadbeach, QLD Broadbeach, QLD and much more. These coaching skills after its’ initial 4-year period? Australasian Oceania Australasian Oceania qualification held by the Coach. The name Swimming Professionals 5 Swimming Professionals 6 7 8 9 10 11 are not included in the entry level ‘Green’ A: Your initial NCAS accreditation will last Convention & Trade Expo, Convention & Trade Expo, change will also help educate Swim Clubs Sofitel Hotel, Sofitel Hotel, coaching course or the ‘Junior Squad & for 4 years, at that time you will be given Broadbeach, QLD Broadbeach, QLD and guide those coaches qualified at the Australian Water Safety Australian Water Safety 12 13 14 Council Conference, 15 Council Conference, 16 17 18 entry level of our profession to operate “Water Safety Everyone’s “Water Safety Everyone’s Responsibility”, Crowne Plaza Responsibility”, Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney Darling Harbour, Sydney within their qualification parameters. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 The ascta ‘Junior Squad & Assistant

26 27 28 29 30 31 Coach’ will hold exactly the same recognition as previously given to a ‘Green’ Coach; both are properly accredited and may receive a licence from ascta/ June 2008 Swimming Australia to practice within the MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY competitive swimming system. 1 All current ‘Green’ Coaches and future Oceania Swimming Oceania Swimming Oceania Swimming Oceania Swimming ‘Junior Squad & Assistant Coaches’ are 2 3 4 Championships, 5 Championships, 6 Championships, 7 Championships, 8 Christchurch, Christchurch, Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand fully qualified to work independently within the scope of their qualification. A ‘Green’ 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Coach or a ‘Junior Squad & Assistant Coach’ becomes a licenced coach by 16 17 18 19 20 ascta-NSW Branch 21 ascta-NSW Branch 22 Conference, to be held Conference, to be held maintaining their annual membership at NSW Institute of Sport, at NSW Institute of Sport, Homebush Homebush in ascta/Swimming Australia, operating 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 within the framework of child protection legislation and Swimming Australia Ltd’s

30 member welfare policies, and ascta’s code of conduct.

All dates are accurate at time of printing but subject to change. 61 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Please email [email protected] if you would like events listed in the Calendar. the option to transfer to the ascta ‘Junior qualification, but this experience will put & Assistant Coach’ is fully covered by the Squad & Assistant Coach’ accreditation you in good stead if you decide to enroll ascta-Marsh individual policy, as long as to continue working with swimmers in a Bronze course or make application he/she is working within the scope of appropriate to your qualification and under RCC guidelines to become a their competency. coaching circumstances. Or, if you wish to Bronze Coach. coach a variety of age/ability levels, then For More Information Visit Q: what can I do to gain a Bronze you may complete the requirements to www.ascta.com Coach accreditation? become a Bronze Coach. Or Contact ascta Today…. A: Current ‘Green’ Coaches are eligible to Q: will re-accrediting from ‘Green’ Coach enroll in the Bronze Swimming Coaching PO Box 2175 to ‘Junior Squad & Assistant Coach’ cost Course. It’s also possible for a ‘Green’ Moorabbin, VIC, 3189 anything? Coach or a ‘Junior Squad & Assistant A: Absolutely no cost for the change- Coach’ to obtain their Bronze qualification (03) 9556 5854 phone over! If a ‘Green’ Coach has maintained through ‘Recognition of Current (03) 9556 5882 fax his/her licence (i.e. annual ascta/ Competency’ (i.e. a process of assessing [email protected] Swimming Australia membership) since one’s demonstrated skills against the gaining that qualification, the transfer to competencies obtained through a course ascta’s ‘Junior Squad & Assistant Coach’ of instruction). will be automatic when the NCAS expiry date is reached. Q: what if I’m happy to continue working with young, inexperienced swimmers or Q: My ‘Green’ coaching accreditation under the guidance of a mentor coach – expires in 2010 – can I transfer now to an do I have to move up to Bronze at some ascta accreditation as a ‘Junior Squad & future stage? Assistant Coach’? A: No, you may continue to work with the A: Yes, most certainly! You do not same level of swimmer for as long as you have to wait the full 4-year period until wish. Many coaches gain great satisfaction your renewal date. This can be done from making a real contribution to a automatically when you complete your young swimmer’s technical development 2008-09 ascta membership registration. – quality coaching early in a swimmer’s You will receive an accreditation career will yield benefits later on. certificate and as a qualified coach member of ascta/Swimming Australia hold Q: as a ‘Green’ Coach or a ‘Junior Squad a licence to practice within the scope of & Assistant Coach’ should I be paid for that qualification. my expertise? A: Yes, if you hold a qualification and Q: are there on-going professional coaching licence you may seek financial development obligations under ascta’s compensation commensurate with your ‘Junior Squad & Assistant Coach’ skills and experience (or your employer’s accreditation? capacity to pay). It’s also common for A: Yes, just as all NCAS accredited coaches of any accreditation level to coaches must ‘Update’ their qualifications donate their time and expertise. However, on a 4-year cycle to demonstrate they in either case (i.e. paid or voluntary have kept up-to-date by actually service) the coach must work within his/ coaching and participating in other her competencies and qualifications. learning experiences, all ‘Junior Squad & Assistant Coaches’ must document their Q: as my qualification changes to ‘Junior coaching involvement. Squad & Assistant Coach’, can I still obtain insurance cover? Q: i work side-by-side with another coach A: Yes, the Swimming Australia Club having more advanced qualifications, insurance program covers all registered can I continue to assist with training squads that are made up of older and Club members – including those who more experienced swimmers if I maintain serve in a coaching capacity. In addition, a ‘Green’ or ‘Junior Squad & Assistant ascta recommends that all coaches assess Coach’ qualification? their personal risk and requirements for A: Yes, by all means continue to draw professional indemnity as well as public upon the experience of another coach liability cover. ascta-Marsh insurance to gain on-the-job experience. As an provides an individual policy that any ‘assistant’ you must work under the ‘coach’ or ‘teacher of swimming’ member supervision of someone having a higher of ascta may purchase. The ‘Junior Squad

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