Australia’s best Open Water Swimmers have converged on the Sunshine Coast for the 2021 Australian Open Water National Championships. Once again, Western Australia will field a strong contingent led behind Olympic hopeful Jack Wilson (North Coast, c: Ian Mills).
Although the 2020/21 season has caused a less than ideal preparation for all Swimmers, 22 athletes will represent their Clubs and State at this weekend’s Championships at Coolum Beach.
The event will also play host to the selection of the Men’s 10km Olympic trials (Kareena Lee was selected to represent the Women at the 2019 FINA World Championships) with the first two swimmers being selected to represent Australia at the next selection event in June.
Wilson will lead the charge in the Men’s 10km with his eyes on an Olympic debut following on his successful campaign at the 2020 Australian Open Water Championships. Whilst Wilson will face stiff competition from several east coast rivals, his impressive form throughout this summer season will put him as one to watch especially if the race is fast from the start.
Joining Wilson with his eyes set on the top spots is teammate, Kyle Lee (North Coast, c: Ian Mills) who moved from Bunbury to Perth last April. Lee proved too strong on many occasions this season, claiming the State 10km Championship in November. Lee’s impressive stamina and imposing physique has him as one of the fastest rising stars in the Nation.
Byron Kimber (UWA-West Coast, c: Michael Shaw) will also be a contender throughout the race, after claiming another OWS Series title in the 2020/21 season. Kimber was selected to represent South Africa at the 2020 FINA Junior World Open Water Swimming Championships but was unable to compete as the event was postponed.
Undoubtedly, all three Western Australian representative will put their best foot forward for their Coaches, Clubs and State as they aim for an Olympic spot.
In the Women’s Open 10km, Kelsey Eastwood (North Coast, c: Ian Mills), Kara Svenson (Bunbury, c: Elisha Hunt), Ella Harnetty (Breakers, c: Harry Clark) and Fiona Cullinane (Rockingham, c: Brooke Kemp) will take to the water for WA.
After recent success, Eastwood will likely lead the way for the WA girls as they hope for a solid performance against one of the deepest fields in recent history.
Besides the Marathon races, there are many other strong performances expected by WA Swimmers, including Kaiden Richings (Bunbury, c: Elisha Hunt) who will line up in the Boys 16 – 17 Years 7.5km. This race will see the selection of the 2021 FINA Junior World Open Water Swimming Championships, a position that Kaiden has been targeting throughout the season.
Although the 2021 Championships won’t see WA’s largest representative, there will be a strong presence felt throughout the event.
You can catch all the action live on SwimTV, visit the Swimming Australia website for more information, or stay tuned via the Swimming WA socials.
