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Elite swimming training boosts regions reputation as sporting hub

Australia’s Paralympic swimming stars are embracing Cairns’ tropical heat as their secret weapon, declaring the conditions “a hundred times harder” than normal training.

The Australian Para Dolphins Swim Team have based themselves at Tobruk Memorial Pool to train for the upcoming World Para Swimming Championships, held in Singapore in September. Paralympian Emily Beecroft is a senior member of the Australian Para Dolphins Swim Team. Picture: Brendan Radke
The Australian Para Dolphins Swim Team have based themselves at Tobruk Memorial Pool to train for the upcoming World Para Swimming Championships, held in Singapore in September. Paralympian Emily Beecroft is a senior member of the Australian Para Dolphins Swim Team. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns’ steamy weather is proving an ideal training ground for the Australian Dolphins Paralympic swim team, as they try to acclimatise for the world championships in Singapore.

Elite athletes from across the country have dived into Tobruk Memorial Pool for the first of two separate training camps to prepare swimmers for Septembers competition.

Cairns regional councillor Rob Pyne said the elite training camp reinforced Cairns as a major sporting location.

Cairns Regional Council Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne believed the elite training camp reinforced Cairns as major sporting hub. Cairns Regional Council Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne Australian Para Dolphins head coach Mel Tantrum and Cairns Paralympian Grant
Cairns Regional Council Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne believed the elite training camp reinforced Cairns as major sporting hub. Cairns Regional Council Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne Australian Para Dolphins head coach Mel Tantrum and Cairns Paralympian Grant "Scooter" Patterson at Tobruk Memorial Pool. Picture: Brendan Radke

Their visit builds on our city’s reputation as a world class location for sport,” he said.

“I am confident we will be seeing quite a few of the swimmers who are here this week returning to Cairns over the next few years as they push for a spot for the Australian team.

“Being able to host elite sportspeople inspires young swimmers and athletes of all abilities and motivation, to aim higher, train harder, and believe in their potential.”

The week long camp included 45 staff and athletes who rarely get a chance to train together.

Paralympian Emily Beecroft OAM is a senior member and team leader of the Australian Para Dolphins Swim Team. Picture: Brendan Radke
Paralympian Emily Beecroft OAM is a senior member and team leader of the Australian Para Dolphins Swim Team. Picture: Brendan Radke

Paralympic gold medallist and team leader Emily Beecroft OAM said the adjustment was huge.

“My squad did a dryland circuit last night at the gym at Tobruk Pool and it was the same as we normally do but because it was so hot I felt like I was working 100 times harder than normal.

“We haven’t been back for a while...and seeing that Singapore is quite warm at this time of year it’s been really nice to have a warm weather camp and

adjust to the settings.”

After leaving Cairns on Sunday the team will fly to Darwin in five weeks time to finish preparation.

Ms Beecroft said Cairns had been incredibly valuable to the teams preparation.

“Some of us have day jobs and train in between working so it’s nice just to forget that traditional life and be a full-time athlete for a week,” she said.

“Tobruk Pool and the Sheraton Hotel where we’re staying are just such amazing facilities, I’m really lucky that we get to come here and get some sun.”

The training

Originally published as Elite swimming training boosts regions reputation as sporting hub

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/elite-swimming-training-boosts-regions-reputation-as-sporting-hub/news-story/f88473709e4126c855ceb06fdf3a3a0a