Our Ariarne makes final
TASMANIA’S golden girl of the pool Ariarne Titmus will race for more glory at the world swimming championships after last night qualifying for the 200m freestyle final.
Titmus will now chase a second world title having upset US legend Katie Ledecky in the 400m.
THE Tokyo Olympic Games are one year away and already Tasmania has a dozen worldclass athletes ready to wear the green and gold.
Our list of hopefuls is headed by swimming sensation Ariarne Titmus.
The newly crowned 400m world champion should be a certainty for Tokyo, but Tasmanian Institute of Sport boss Paul Austen says two things stand in her way.
“Clearly she’s a red-hot prospect, but like every other athlete hoping to get to the Games, her selection is subject to staying healthy and well, and maintaining form,” Austen said.
Austen has been blown away by the climb of Titmus up the world swimming rankings, and says she is doing Tasmania proud.
“Absolutely. It is really inspirational with the sport of swimming to see someone doing as well as Ariarne,” Austen said. “To come from a smaller swimming environment and to deliver that sort of success is a sensational performance.”
Ariarne will be the only Tasmanian in the pool in Japan. Jacob Templeton has his eye on a spot on the Paralympics team.
Kookaburra veteran Eddie Ockenden is a strong chance for his fourth Olympic Games, having already played hockey at Beijing, London and Rio.
As members of the reigning world champion teams pursuit foursome, cyclists Amy Cure and Georgia Baker are on track for Tokyo. Tasmania’s best-known rider, Richie Porte, may not make it because of a scheduling clash with the 2019 Tour de France.
“Pro cycling is too hard to pick because of two things — contracts with teams and a lot of them don’t get released, and you pick the best riders for the course and from what I know I don’t think it [Olympic course] would be favourable to Richie,” Austen said.
“But it’s too early to conclude that just yet.”
Rower Sarah Hawe is rated highly as a member of Australia’s world championshipwinning women’s four, while Georgia Nesbitt is an outside chance for the women’s lightweight double.
Endurance runner Milly Clark was Australia’s best-performed athlete in the marathon at the Rio Games and her form makes her a strong contender for Tokyo, as does Daniel Watkins in canoe slalom.
Jacob Birtwhistle will get a taste of the triathlon course at a test event in Tokyo next month and after representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, distance runner Stuart McSweyn has his eye on Japan.
Sprinter Jack Hale is considered a strong chance to make his Olympic debut as part of the 4x100m relay team.
Weightlifter Kaity Fassina and javelin thrower Hamish Peacock are in the mix. They must be near their best for qualifying events over the next few months.
“Most of the of the selection policies have been put in place and for all athletes it’s about preparing as well as possible so they can put their best foot forward and produce performances that will get them across the line,” Austen said.