RIO 2016: One year out from the 2016 Olympic Games, excitement is building for Rio hopeful athletes.
With a mixture of Olympians and fresh faces vying for selection, hype is growing among possible Team members.
Golden girl of the track, three-time Olympian Anna Meares says the picturesque surrounds of Brazil will make for a great Games.
“I have never been to Rio before and I am excited to be able to visit. I think the Games in Rio will be colourful and fun, with lots of energy and excitement,” she said.
“I think Rio will make the Games special because of their ability to embrace and welcome, as well as their love of sport and pride and passion for their country and culture.”
The Games are set to be an once-in-a-lifetime experience for the more than 10,500 athletes from 206 nations who will compete at South America’s first Olympics.
Across four distinct venue clusters hosting 28 sports, fans are also set to see highly anticipated debut of rugby sevens and golf.
With an expected Team size of between 460 and 470 athletes, the Australian Team will be one of the biggest and the Team is aiming high, chasing a top five performance.
Chef de Mission of the 2016 Australian Olympic Team, Kitty Chiller, says results are looking promising.
“In recent weeks we have seen very encouraging results in swimming, BMX, diving, archery and golf.
“Our track cyclists are flying, the sailors are on track, Kim Crow is leading a strong rowing squad. Jess Fox continues to dominate in slalom and on flatwater the women have stepped up since London to join the consistent men.
“In athletics team are ready for a strong world championships and Sally Pearson will be back to inspire the track team and defend her title come 2016.”
To date 98 quota places have been secured, with Chloe and Max Esposito the first athletes selected to the Team. The sibling modern pentathletes were announced in June.
In her first athlete blog entry for olympics.com.au, Chloe said the Games represent a chance for her improve on her fantastic seventh at the London Olympics.
“The next 10 months for us will be full on with competitions beginning in November. We will stay and train in Sydney until October when we will return to Budapest to really step up our game,” she said.
“I don't want to get carried away for next year but I truly believe in my heart that If I can improve my fencing and continue to improve under dads coaching there is no reason I can't be on the podium in August. “
For Chiller, every day is about creating the best environment for the Australian athletes to perform at their best.
“I want to provide an environment where athletes feel supported, respected and comfortable. That will require every single Team member to play their part – supporting their team mates, respecting our performance focussed environment and also respecting the honour and tradition of being an Australian Olympian.”
On Wednesday night more than 700 corporates and Olympians will gather in Sydney for the major fundraising event in NSW. The black-tie event will have plenty of Brazilian flare and all funds raised will go towards sending the Team to the Rio Games.
The Australian Olympic Committee has budgeted $32 million to prepare and send all 465 athletes plus support staff to Rio 2016. $8 million of this is the national target for fundraising so events like the “One Year To Go” dinner in Sydney are very important for the success and experience of trh Australian Team.
To mark the countdown milestone the Team website was published, a revitalised identity revealed and a Team video broadcast featuring 10 summer and winter athletes. Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson says “Come With Us Australia!”
ANNIE KEARNEY
olympics.com.au