Dolphins lap up a fantastic surprise

AUSTRALIA’S fastest swimmers took part in a surprise meet at Bond University to prepare them for the uncertainty of the Tokyo Olympics.

The Dolphins squad competed in a relay-blitz event which was the brainchild of head coach Rohan Taylor.

Taylor wants to keep his Olympic hopefuls ready for every possible scenario heading into the Games, which have already been delayed once.

“When you get to the Olympic Games, you are going to be fatigued in that environment, you are going to be uncomfortable,” Taylor said.

“That was what it was about, getting them fatigued.

“I told them you have to compete, you have to get up in the morning and race, and that is what today is about.”

Multiple Olympic gold medallist Cate Campbell competed in several events in Bond’s state-of-the-art shortcourse pool on the Gold Coast and was excited to be racing again. Her focus on the Olympics has never wavered.

“It feels great. Most of us have really, really missed competing,” Campbell said.

“It’s that little bit extra that keeps you motivated throughout the year. To be able to stand up and see where you are this early in the season on short notice is a nice surprise.

“Expect the unexpected. We have had things thrown at us and it is about adapting and coping.

“It’s a wonderful initiative and a great opportunity to get some friendly rivalry within the team and it makes everyone excited looking forward to Tokyo.

“As long as the Olympics are on, that is all we care about. If there is a swimming pool, a starting block and a starter, that’s honestly all we need.

“I think the world will need an Olympics after the couple of years we’ve had.”

Taylor said the facilities at Bond University were the perfect launch pad for Australia’s Olympic campaign.

“It is a no-brainer to have this particular activity here as well as the event camp, because it is such a great facility,’’ he said. “It has the versatility of the long and short-course pool, the gym … it is a great feel.”