Queensland young guns dominate at Aussie swim trials

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones has congratulated several of Queensland’s strongest performers at the Australian Swimming Titles on the Gold Coast this week.

Ms Jones said only one day into the trials several Queenslanders had already ensured themselves a spot on the starters block at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“We’ve already seen some amazing performances from Queensland athletes including 17-year-old Ariarne Titmus. Having recently moved to Queensland to further her swimming career, Ariarne pulled off a personal best swim in the finals of the women’s 200m freestyle to beat Olympic champion Emma McKeon,” she said.

“Gold Coast young guns Elijah Winnington and Laura Taylor were also standouts on the first day of action at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, booking themselves  spots on the Australian Dolphins team to compete in the Commonwealth Games at home in April.

“It’s performances like these that make swimming one of the most popular sports at the Commonwealth Games – and another reason why swimming has already sold out for the Games one the Gold Coast.”

Ms Jones said it was great to see Australia’s elite swimmers back in Queensland and competing at the newly redeveloped Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport.

“We’ve invested $320 million in sporting infrastructure for the Commonwealth Games including a redevelopment of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre,” she said.

“We know high-quality sporting events drive visitors to our great state. The 18 world-class venues we’ve built and upgraded in the lead-up to the Games will put Queensland on the map to ensure we keep attracting international sporting events.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to building Queensland’s major events portfolio which doubled in value in our last term of government.

“Our calendar of events is now worth $780 million and on top of that, Queensland will benefit from $4 billion generated by the Commonwealth Games.”

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