Australian sprint stars Cam McEvoy and James Magnusson announced on the eve of the Australian Pan Pacific Championship Trials that neither will be competing at the meet.
Magnusson explained to SBS News,
“I have decided not to take part in the upcoming Pan Pacs trials, a difficult decision, but one that I believe will benefit me in the long run. At the moment I am really excited with some personal development opportunities that currently exist outside the pool and so I will be taking some time away from racing to explore these options and doing so with no deadline or dates on the table.
Swimming will still play a role in my day to day life as I will continue to train and have no intention of retirement just yet but I want to be able to focus my energy completely on these new interests and give them more time and attention.”
McEvoy, meanwhile, is in search of a new coach and program to train with following a disappointing Gold Coast Games this spring.
“At this stage I will not be trialling for Pan Pacs as I’d like to settle on a program, find progress and put all the processes into action. It will be difficult as the defending champion in the 100 freestyle to watch from home but I have confidence in our Dolphins and want to make sure I make decisions that are going to have positive impacts on my career and my longevity.”
Bronte Campbell will also be skipping the Pan Pacs Trials as she focuses on the long-term goal of making the Australian Olympic team for 2020.
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