Australia Reveals Leisel Jones and Grant Hackett Will Serve as Duel in the Pool Captains
Swimming Australia announced on Thursday that two of its greatest athletes will serve as captains for the Dolphins at next month’s Duel in the Pool in Sydney. When Australia faces the United States in the return of the competition, Leisel Jones and Grant Hackett will handle leadership roles, imparting their experience and knowledge on Aussie team members.
“Leisel and Hacky are two of the greatest swimmers to have ever worn our country’s colors in the pool and both have the ultimate respect of our current generation of athletes,” said Rohan Taylor, Australia’s National Team coach. “They each possess an intimate understanding of the legacy and responsibility of being a Dolphin, as well as the significance of our rivalry against the U.S., and I know that will be an important combination in the context of this competition. It’s a privilege to have them back in the team environment and I have no doubt their presence and guidance will bring out the best in our team.”
Jones is one of the greatest breaststrokers in history, having competed at four Olympic Games, during which she claimed nine medals. The world-record setter also flourished at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, where she combined for 25 medals.
“It is such a privilege to guide our team through tough competition against our favorite rivals,” Jones said. “Off the back of the exciting performances at the World Championships in Budapest, the rivalry is going to make it the toughest racing we have ever seen. I cannot wait to see the athletes set the pool alight and to be there when all the action happens.”
Grant Hackett in the midst of a golden career, an Olympic crown retained at Athens 2004 – Photo Courtesy: Patrick B. Kraemer
Hackett is regarded as one of the finest distance swimmers the sport has seen, his efforts in international competition highlighted by back-to-back Olympic titles in the 1500 freestyle in 2000 and 2004, with a silver medal in the event earned in 2008. In addition to winning seven Olympic medals, Hackett stood on 19 podiums at the World Championships.
“I’m super excited to be working with the current generation of swimmers who have performed incredibly well both here and overseas in recent times,” Hackett said. “Going up against a swimming superpower such as the USA always brings a special flavor to the sport. We are equally great friends and the fiercest of rivals. Hopefully some of my experience in this domain will help support the team and their individual performances.”
The Duel in the Pool is scheduled for August 19-21.