Forty-five World Aquatics officials have been appointed to oversee the swimming events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with representatives from every continent. From Oceania, Trisa Cheer (Fiji), Faye Lewis (Australia), Christine Cassin (New Zealand), and WA's Ryan Arblaster.
Arblaster has been selected as one of the four Referees for the upcoming Games. He will be responsible for overseeing the competitions to ensure strict compliance to the rules, maintaining the integrity of the sport, and supervising other officials. His presence will be required on the pool deck every second day, stationed at the start/finish line, while his off-deck duties will involve working in the video review room or the control room.
Arblaster has an impressive history at the Olympic Games, having participated in three Games this marks his fourth Olympic involvement. His Olympic journey started in London 2012 as an Inspector of Turns. He continued on to Rio 2016, where he served as a Judge of Stroke and Control Room Supervisor. Most recently, he was a Referee at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Preparation for such a significant event involves more than just the days of competition. Last month, the appointed Referees, including Arblaster, conducted an online seminar to brief fellow officials on the specific requirements of the Paris competition. Today marks a mandatory integrity webinar for all Paris 2024 Technical Officials across all sports.
Arblaster is set to arrive in Paris on July 23, just days before the competition begins on July 27. In the lead-up, he and his colleagues will be engaged in a series of workshops and preparations, including venue familiarisation and protocol briefings, to ensure a smooth nine-day competition.
“It is a great honour to be officiating at the Olympic Games,” says Ryan Arblaster.
“I have been a member of Swimming WA for more than 35 years, where I started as a young swimmer and transitioned into officiating. During this time I have had tremendous support from Breakers Swim Club, Swimming WA, Swimming Australia and World Aquatics. Many thanks to everyone that has helped me on this journey and for your good wishes for Paris.”
