USC Spartans pairing of head coach Chris Mooney and superstar swimmer Kaylee McKeown will represent Australia at the 2021 Olympic Games

A USC Spartans swimmer and coach say there’s still “a lot of work to be done” in a bid to be ready for next month’s Olympic Games.

USC Spartans High Performance coach Chris Mooney and swimmer Kaylee McKeown are in the Australian Olympics team.

A USC Spartans coach and athlete have their eyes fixed firmly on the prize after being selected to take part in the Tokyo Olympics next month.

Spartans head coach Chris Mooney, and 19 year old athlete, Kaylee McKeown, have been chosen to represent Australia at the games on July 23.

McKeown made headlines last week at the Australian trials after breaking the 100m backstroke world record only days after she set a new Commonwealth record in the women’s 200m event.

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It will be McKeown’s first Olympic team and coach Mooney said they’re both looking forward to it.

“We both know that this is only the start and there’s still a lot of work to be done over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“It’s a massive accomplishment for myself and for Kaylee but we have to make sure we don’t take our eyes off the prize.”

Kaylee Mckeown on form for the final night of #2021AusTrials breaking her own Commonwealth Record in the 200m Backstroke 2:04.28 🤩🇦🇺

Tune into @primevideoaunz now to catch all the action! pic.twitter.com/MANvMRuQIp

— Swimming Australia (@SwimmingAUS) June 17, 2021

Mooney was part of the Australian swim team at the 2016 Olympic Games and has been one of the USC high performance staff since 2015.

“I’m stoked to be a part of the team and take part in the event,” he said.

“More than anything else I’m really proud of the athletes performances and the squad that we have assembled.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for us to represent our region and our country on what is the biggest stage in sport.”

This year’s Games will be held in a much different environment due to Covid-19 but Mooney said the athletes understood what’s required.

“I’m confident every athlete will be prepared for the event both mentally and physically,” he said.

Kaylee McKeown is hugged by Minna Atherton after breaking the Commonwealth record for the Women's 200 metre Breaststroke final during the Australian National Olympic Swimming Trials at SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre on June 17, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Joining Mooney and McKeown in the Olympic camp are five other Coast athletes that have been selected on the Australian Paralympic team.

USC products Katja Dedekind, Ben Hance, Keira Stephens, Ruby Storm and Kawana’s Liam Schluter have all qualified in their respected events.

Mooney said these selections and performances are a credit to the USC high performance staff.

“Not a day goes by where Nathan (Doyle) and myself don’t learn anything from each other,” he said.

“The two teams blend really well and it’s great to be able to share this experience with them.”