Stars drawn to Tobruk pool

THE decision by the Australian swimming team, the Dolphins, to train in Cairns in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is testament to Cairns Regional Council’s multimillion dollar investment in the Tobruk Memorial Pool.

The redevelopment of the Cairns North venue was an expensive undertaking, about $24 million, and opened two years ago.

While essentially designed for use by residents and ratepayers, it has been popular with swimmers training for various events.

But the move by the Dolphins to train at the pool at various times over the next two years is a coup.

The venue, as well as Cairns, has drawn praise from Swimming Australia boss Chris Forbes who said: “We’re happy because it provides our teams with an ideal warm weather training venue in one of the best facilities anywhere in Australia. The climate, the pool and the facilities will be a perfect combination for our teams to put the finishing touches to their respective Games preparations.”

High performance chief strategist Alex Baumann said the direct link to Tokyo was “a huge plus”. “It’s an ideal combination for winter training in a warmer climate and the direct flights to Asian-based competitions will be a huge advantage for our athletes.”

It will certainly put the spotlight on Cairns following the 70-strong Australian swimming team’s record performance at a Commonwealth Games with 73 medals, including 28 gold, 21 silver and 24 bronze.

As well as the obvious economic benefits to Cairns their presence will provide social and mentoring aspects to our young up-and-coming swimmers. Nick Dalton Deputy editor