SWIMMING: The Australian swim team have had their first look at the Rio Olympic competition pool as the team arrived for training, transforming the sky- blue pool deck into a sea of green and gold.
After landing in Rio late last night and settling into the village, the swimmers were finally able to get a glimpse of the pool many had only dreamt of.
It was particularly special for Olympic debutant Leah Neale who arrived in Rio on her 21st birthday and was able to celebrate more of it than usual.
“It’s been a long day, I was excited when I first got off the plane and now it feels like my birthday has gone forever!” Neale said as she arrived at training.
Neale was tasked with looking after the team mascot, BK, for the day but had to part with him while she trained. Channel Seven news reporter Alex Hart then presented Neale with a stuffed toy Olympic Mascot as a birthday present from the host broadcaster.
The team will spend the next couple of days putting the finishing touches on their preparations ahead of the competition starting Saturday August 6.
The official Press Conference for the Australian swim team will commence at 2:30pm local time on Tuesday August 2 (330am Wednesday AEST).
Dual World Champions Bronte Campbell, Mitch Larkin and Emily Seebohm will be joined by world record holder Cate Campbell and World Championship silver medallist Cam McEvoy along with Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren and Chef De Mission Kitty Chiller.
Kathleen Rayment
olympics.com.au
