Four VIS-supported athletes, Tara Kinder, Will Petric, David Schlicht and Cameron Bladen, have been named in the 24-strong Australian squad for the World Short Course Championships in Beijing this December.
The Australian Swimming Team, the Dolphins, will compete at the iconic Olympic venue, the Water Cube, from December 1 to 6, in what will be Bladen’s senior debut for Australia.
Will Petric led the charge, claiming victory in the 400m individual medley in a time of 3:59.27, knocking 10 seconds off his personal best to win gold off the back of a breakout year that included the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships.
For Kinder, selection follows a standout performance in the 200m individual medley, where a career-best 2:05.48 moved her to third-fastest in Australian history in the event, behind only Emily Seebohm and Kaylee McKeown.
Schlicht and Petric both posted World Championships qualifying times in the 200m individual medley, but it was Schlicht who claimed gold in 1:53.45 to secure selection for his fourth World Short Course Championships team. Petric’s took silver with a swim of 1:53.53 that moved him to eighth-fastest in Australian history in the event.
Newly minted Dolphin Cameron Bladen punched his ticket to Beijing off the back of his 200m freestyle performance where he will join fellow rookie Emily Jones as a relay swimmer, alongside Matt Temple and Josh Collett.
Rounding out the VIS contingent, physio Andrew Cameron and coaches Craig Jackson and Jol Finck will also travel supporting the team in Beijing.
Head coach Rohan Taylor said the trip to Beijing offered valuable experience for the wider squad. “The international exposure in Beijing is an opportunity to come together and build towards LA 2028,” Taylor said. “It’s a learning opportunity for younger athletes to learn how to travel, become more resilient and perform when it matters most in an unfamiliar environment including time zones, weather and diet.”
Congratulations to Tara, Will, David and Cameron on their selection. The VIS wishes them the best of luck in Beijing.
Credit: SwimAus
