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Gold Coast Gathering For Aussie Shoal

Jan 23, 2013

The Australia swim team is bound for the Gold Coast to work alongside more than 100 other swimmers, coaches and support staff at the "2013 National Event Camp" from January 28 to February 2. Head coach Leigh Nugent has bonding in mind and, after having set tough standards for team selections in future, will deliver an "us against the world"-style message in the wake of disunity, diruption and distraction on the Olympic team at London 2012.

The camp will be staged at eight different training pools across the Gold Coast including, Palm Beach Currumbin, Bond University, Miami and Southport.

Swimming Australia noted in a statement: "With such a large group of athletes, the swimmers will be split into groups according to their respective events and distances and will work closely with experienced coaches and staff to develop their skills.

"The men’s and women’s sprint freestyle groups will have eight Olympians training alongside the rising stars of the sport.

 "Relay teammates and Olympic gold medallists Cate Campbell and Melanie Schlanger will share the pool with triple gold medallist from the 2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival Alexandra Purcell and Youth Olympic Games representative from 2010 Emma McKeon.

"After missing a spot on the Olympic team by just one place, McKeon will no doubt be keen to learn from her experienced teammates and eventually follow in her older brother and Olympic debutant, David’s footsteps.

"Silver medallist from the 100m freestyle James Magnussen will train with teenager Luke Percy who collected a gold medal and set a new Australian Olympic Youth Festival record in the men’s 50m freestyle (22.46)."

Nugent said: "We have a large group of swimmers at this camp, a mixture of ages and experience levels and the knowledge and skills they gain from the coaches and support staff will play a vital role in the development of the athletes to ensure they are reaching their full potential.

"Before Rio, the 2014 Pan Pacific Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games will both be held on the Gold Coast putting our camp in an ideal location to prepare the future stars of the sport and ensure the EnergyAustralia Swim Team returns to the top of International Swimming."

At the end of the camp, all involved will be treated to a civic breakfast by the Gold Coast City Council. Triple helpings all round.