Players from Australia, China, Japan and Korea are recovering from two days of hot competition as they prepare for the last matches of the tournament.

All teams have had to endure 30-plus degree temperatures since the opening games of the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF), making it difficult for the players to maintain the intensity witnessed on day one.

The Australian boy’s and girl’s teams, in particular, have made extensive use of the on-site swimming pool at Valentine Sports Park before and after the games to allow the athletes to cool down and recover from the sweltering heat.

Coach of the under-17 boy’s squad from Australia, Stephen O’Connor, is looking forward to the match against China to be played in cooler temperatures this evening, but is weary of the impact the heat could have on the young players.

“We’ll see how we go against China, if we recover. We’re so knackered because of the game [Thursday], and the 40-degree game against Korea which was a tough game as well,” O’Connor said.

Each team will play their final matches late this afternoon and into the evening, with the results determining the winners of the gold, silver and bronze medals.

Korea has secured top position in both the girl’s and boy’s competition, remaining undefeated after two games. A win or draw will see them take gold ahead of Australia, Japan and China.

Australia’s medal chances are dependent on the results of today’s other matches. They will take on China for a chance of gold or silver in the girl’s, while the boy’s will compete for the bronze medal.

Roje Adaimy
AYOF