Queensland swimmers set to wow in Adelaide

Queensland’s elite swimmers will descend upon the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre for an electrifying week of swimming from 7 April, taking on the nation at the 2016 Hancock Prospecting Australian Championships.

With their eyes firmly on Rio de Janiero and Olympic glory, Treasurer and Minister for Sport, Curtis Pitt said the championships would provide the perfect opportunity for Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) swimmers to impress Australian Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren and Olympic selectors.

“Queensland is looking to be well represented on the Australian Dolphins Team in 2016 if last year’s campaign at the Australian Championships is anything to go by,” Mr Pitt said.

“The team, made up predominantly of Queensland swimmers, went on to celebrate great success at the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow and FINA World Championships in Kazan.

“Golden girls Emily Seebohm and Bronte Campbell will be looking to add Olympic gold to their success from the 2015 World Titles, but first on the agenda are podium performances at the nationals.

“Fellow World Champion Mitch Larkin will also be looking to make a statement to international competitors ahead of Rio.”

Mr Pitt said Brendan Hall was primed for a spot on what will be his third Paralympic team, while Lakeisha Patterson would be looking to secure her debut position following a five medal haul at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Veteran superfish Grant Hackett will return to the pool aiming to book his ticket to Rio and compete at his fourth Olympic Games. Over his three appearances in Sydney (2000), Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008), Grant won an incredible seven Olympic medals.

Mr Pitt wishes all Queensland swimmers the best of luck for the Nationals meet in Adelaide and the Road to Rio.

“It is great to see that our swimmers continue to step up and achieve results such as those in Glasgow and Kazan,” he said.

“If we could see the same level of Queensland representation in Rio as we did in Kazan and Glasgow, it would be outstanding.

“Time will tell, and I’m excited about watching it all unfold in the next seven days.

“The meet will provide a satisfying preview of what’s to come for swimming in Queensland as we look towards the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.”

Queensland Athletes to compete at the 2016 Hancock Prospecting Australian Championships

Media Contact: 0419 945 546