Australian swimming to create new professional league to fill void between big global events

As the perception grows that Australia’s glory days of swimming are behind us, a group of investors has decided to splash cash on the sport in an attempt to turn the tide.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA – JULY 13: In this handout image provided by Swimming Australia, Ariarne Titmus looks on during a Covid Mask Familiarisation Rehearsal Day as part of the Australian Dolphins Swimming Team Camp ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Tobruk Pool on July 13, 2021, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Delly Carr/Swimming Australia via Getty Images)

A group of private investors has agreed to fund a new professional swimming league to help reinvigorate the sport in Australia.

Similar in concept to the International Swimming League, which was launched in 2019, the Australian Swimming League (ASL) will kick off at the end 2022.

Working hand-in-hand with Swimming Australia, the ASL will be an annual club-based competition that organisers hope will fill the void between the big global events when the sport struggles for exposure and attention.

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Swimming Australia is keen to create a high-profile domestic platform to showcase the nation’s current and future stars.

“Outside of major international events, it is important for Swimming Australia to create a high-profile domestic platform to showcase our current and future stars,” Swimming Australia chief executive Alex Baumann said.

“We are delighted to be working with the ASL to establish an annual, made for broadcast league, that will provide high level competition for our swimmers, while entertaining a broad audience in a way which excites and inspires.”

Unlike the international equivalent, the Australian version will also include multi-class and junior swimmers, which national head coach Rohan Taylor says will fast track the development of emerging stars.

“From a coaching perspective, an annual professional league will offer regular elite competition to drive performance outcomes and provide a vital opportunity for Australia’s best emerging talent to compete against our finest swimmers,” he said.

“With prize money on the line as part of this new professional league, I anticipate every round will be hotly contested.”

Australian Swim Team members could find themselves competing in an annual professional league outside major overseas meets.

ASL chief executive Stuart Coventry said a test event will be held in October this year to whet the appetite ahead of the full season launch in 2022 while management were still working on a broadcast deal.

“The ASL will be swimming but not as you know it!” he said.

“It will be an exciting format that delivers a fast-paced event program that pits individuals and teams against one another in an elite competition with plenty of action in and out of the water.

“This competition will capture the imagination of a diverse audience through our fast-paced, action-packed, highly entertaining and family focused product.”