Leigh Nugent, the Australian National Team Swim Coach visited Dubai this week as part of his team’s preparation for the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) to be held in Dubai on December 15 -19, 2010.
Leigh Nugent was the head coach of the Australian swimming team during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Under his leadership, Australia tallied seven gold, five silver and three bronze, its best ever haul at an Olympics outside of Australia, and second only to the team which represented Australia at the 1956 Summer Olympics.
Leigh’s visit to Dubai was warmly welcomed by Dubai Sports Council and follows the recent visit of Candy MacConaugha the USA Swim team coordinator. Their visits highlight the importance of the FINA Championships, which will be the largest swimming event of its kind in the Middle East.
The championships are held every two years and this is the first time the event will be staged in the Middle East.
Nugent confirmed that Australia is sending a 50 strong swimming team which will include 30 swimmers and 20 staff. “Exactly who will be on the team will be decided at the end of July. But there will be new names in the team as exciting younger athletes break in to the squad”.
Nugent said “I am very impressed with the venue, and I can see what it’s going to be like upon completion. Dubai will be the biggest capacity stadium any where in the world. Sydney was the best venue in the world but Dubai has surpassed that. The venue layout is extremely user friendly and well constructed for high performance swimming. I am looking forward to the event. This was a very constructive visit and a pleasure to come to Dubai. ” The Vice Championships Director, Dr Khalid Mohammed Al Zahed confirmed, “Hosting the 10th FINA World Championships (25m) is a real honor for Dubai and the world’s best swimmers are relishing the prospect of competing in Dubai at the end of this year when the Championships get underway between December 15-19” The 5 days of the World Swimming Championships are expected to attract over 30,000 visitors, over 1000 swimmers in addition to 250 media from over 140 countries.
Preparations are on track at the Dubai Sports Complex, with construction well underway. The spectacular new venue guarantees some top-class swimming action for all the family.
Tickets for the championships will go on sale from around September, with several exciting activities also planned around the event, including plenty of opportunities for local swimming fans to get involved.
