George, 99, is on the team
THE country’s most famous 99-year-old swimmer will today be named an honorary member of the Australian Commonwealth Games team.
George Corones, who won the nation’s heart when he broke two world records at this month’s Australian Swimming Trials on the Gold Coast, has accepted a “surprise” invitation to join young guns such as Cameron McEvoy and Cate Campbell on the Games team.
Marathon great and Australian chef de mission Steve Moneghetti will host an event at Broadbeach to present the inspirational senior with a team uniform and complimentary tickets to Games events.
“We were very surprised,” Harry Corones said about receiving a call from Commonwealth Games Australia officials wanting to celebrate his dad’s extraordinary efforts.
“This is the last thing any of us expected and Dad is very flattered. He actually wondered if he should accept but when he thought about it, he realised he swam at the meet and created (world record) times so he should accept.”
A Brisbanite but proud member of Twin Towns Services Masters Swimming Club, George’s freestyle records at the pre-Commonwealth Games meet came in the 100-104 years age group.
“It’s just what he does,” Harry said of his father, who turns 100 next month.
“The Government is realising if they can keep old people out there doing something, it won’t be such a health burden on the community and Dad epitomises that.”
Asked if his father might be up for spending an “eye-opening” night in the athletes village, Harry burst out laughing.
“Nah, we’re coming straight home,” he said.