Aussies say no to new world title meeting

SWIMMING Australia won’t compete at the rescheduled World Para Swimming Championships after its elite athletes were diverted to the Canadian Open in Toronto this week.

The 18-member Australian team initially set to compete at the world championships in Mexico City finished the three-day Para Swimming Canadian Open with 16 wins, 10 seconds and 11 third placings in a successful showing at the hastily arranged meet.

The world championships, initially due to be held from September 30-October 6, were postponed after a earthquake hit Mexico last month.

The International Paralympic Committee announced the event, and the world para powerlifting title that were also due to be held in Mexico City, have been rescheduled for November 27-December 7.

But a Swimming Australia spokeswoman confirmed the team would not compete.

With the athletes tapered and ready to race, the Canadian Open was the Aussies’ best option to race and they will use results from the meet for rankings and Commonwealth Games nominations.

Swimming Australia chief executive Mark Anderson said the postponement was difficult for swimmers but the Canadian meet provided certainty at a difficult time.

“We very much understand this is a very difficult situation for all concerned,” he said.

“By competing in Toronto, athletes will have the chance to race and to establish international competition times and rankings that will position them to be considered for the Commonwealth Games.

“As such, the Canadian Open will serve as our Para Dolphins major event for 2017 regardless of any decision reached by World Para Swimming for future Para World Championships.”

Gold Coaster Monique Murphy finished fourth in the 400m freestyle multi-class final in Toronto behind fellow S10 athlete, Canada’s Aurelie Rivard, who beat her to gold at the Rio Paralympics last year.

The rescheduled date will clash with the Queensland titles starting December 9 and are a key event in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games.