Two years after starting his remarkable renaissance, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Geoff Huegill has announced today that he plans to continue swimming through to the London Olympic Games in 2012.

The 31-year-old, who made such a memorable impression on the 2010 sporting landscape with his inspirational journey to gold in Delhi, has decided to continue the comeback with success at a third Olympic Games the ultimate prize.

An Olympic bronze medallist in Sydney in 2000 and finalist in Athens in 2004, Huegill now wants to add London to his Olympic dreams.

“This is a decision that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about, but one that I’m 100 per cent behind,” said Huegill.

“There are no guarantees to gaining Olympic selection, and I know the road ahead is going to be a tough one, but I’ve enjoyed the journey so much already, it only seems right to keep giving it a crack for the next 18 months.”

“The support that I’ve received from family and friends over the last two years has been amazing and I would also like to thank the Australian public for their support as well.”

If Huegill is to make the team for London, he would be 33 and one of the oldest swimmers to ever represent Australia at an Olympic Games, and those accolades are a clear example why the former Queensland trained butterflier has been such a huge hit for the sport over the last year.

In making the commitment to train for London in 2012, Huegill will also continue to play an active role in promoting the sport of swimming both in and out of the pool.

Swimming Australia Head Coach Leigh Nugent says Huegill’s commitment to training and his drive to be the best he can be, has been fantastic, and will hopefully inspire those already swimming to stay involved and encourage others to get involved, no matter what level or ability they are.

“I’ve known Geoff for 20 years now and what he has done in the last 12 months is a tribute to him and his family,” said Nugent.

“His comeback would have to go down as one of the most successful in Australian sport, probably world sport, but such is his competitive nature, his decision to keep on swimming suggests this comeback is far from over.”

“As an athlete, Geoff showed in Delhi that age is no barrier and producing life-time best results can come at any time with hard work. As a man, he has made Australia proud and will hopefully continue to do so.”

Joining Huegill and Nugent at today’s announcement, Minister for Sport Mark Arbib was equally glowing when commenting on how such a comeback to the world of elite sport has touched many Australians.

“Geoff has been a pillar of Australian Swimming for over 10 years. I was lucky enough to be part of the crowd that witnessed his inspirational comeback in Delhi last year,” Senator Arbib said.

“I wish him well in his quest to represent Australia in London 2012 and with his current track record and determination, I have no doubt he will be there.”

Swimming Australia