QUICK SUMMARY
Australia's top para swimmers have begun a week-long training camp in Cairns ahead of the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore. The 25-member Australian Para Dolphins squad aims to acclimatize to conditions similar to those expected in Singapore, with coach Mel Tantrum emphasizing the importance of the training environment.
Australia's elite para swimmers have commenced a week-long training camp in Cairns, preparing for the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore this September. The 25-member Australian Para Dolphins squad is utilizing the Tobruk Memorial Pool, chosen for its world-class facilities that replicate Singapore's hot and humid environment. Coach Mel Tantrum emphasized the significance of acclimatization for the athletes during this crucial training period. Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson, a seasoned Paralympian and respected team leader, expressed his honor in being part of the squad, which represents a small fraction of athletes with disabilities in Australia. Councillor Rob Pyne remarked that hosting such elite athletes boosts Cairns' reputation as a top sports destination. The camp aims not only to prepare the athletes but also to inspire local swimmers and athletes of all abilities. After the training camp, athletes will return to their individual training routines before regrouping in Darwin on September 7 for final preparations. This initiative is expected to enhance the performance and morale of the Australian team at the upcoming championships.