The team behind the Team has assembled in Sydney over the past two days to ensure preparations are on schedule for the Australian Olympic Team’s goal to place amongst the top five nations on the overall and gold medal tallies in 2012.

Dual Olympic gold medallist and new Team Chef de Mission Nick Green feels preparations are "absolutely on track."

“I have been very impressed by the level of detail the AOC and the national federations cover across all areas of preparations and I know if the hard work and level of detail is maintained by the support staff and our athletes then the outcome will follow,” Green said.

To achieve a top five placing as Australia did in 2000 and 2004, the estimated 430 athletes will probably need to topple Great Britain at their own Games.

Australia placed sixth behind their traditional rivals at Beijing in 2008 with 46 medals (14 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze).

Green has a sense of anticipation about what will transpire in London but doesn’t see these Games as a two team competition.

“We enjoy a strong and friendly rivalry but I don’t see these Games as Australia versus Great Britain. This is Australia’s athletes competing against many nations,” Green said.

“Traditionally hosts win more medals at their own Games so to get back on top of them after placing sixth in 2008 is an exciting challenge. Their public and media will have heightened expectations after their successes in Beijing so it will be very interesting to see how the British Team goes.”

Head Coaches and Section Managers across all summer Olympic sports, along with medical specialists and Media Liaison Officers have been workshopping every detail and possible scenario in London to assist the athletes achieve every possible success at the Games.

AOC President John Coates handed over the important leadership role of the Team after Beijing 2008. Green will be joined by new young deputies in Sydney 2000 modern pentathlete Kitty Chiller and swimming gold medallist Chris Fydler.

It is anticipated that the Australian Olympic Team will be one of the largest in London. With the recent announcements of champions Drew Ginn, Ian Thorpe, Libby Trickett, Geoff Huegill and Michael Klim pushing for selection the overall strength of the Team is sure to benefit.

Andrew Reid
AOC