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.
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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.
“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.
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