Future Olympic talent churns Oasis waters

Some of Australia’s best swimming talent converged on Wagga’s Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre this week for an intensive development and training camp.

Swimming NSW Coaching Director Jon Shaw gave the Oasis facility a big thumbs up and signalled his intentions to return next year for another winter camp with Australia’s top junior swimmers.

The group of 81 swimmers, 15 coaches and three mentors from NSW, Victoria and Tasmania are part of a program to prepare for the next three Olympic Games – Tokyo in 2020, Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.

“That’s how far we’re planning ahead with these young swimmers and Wagga is playing a role in that,” Mr Shaw said.

“Wagga is central to our needs in terms of location, accommodation and pool facilities.

“It’s great to see the facility undergo this current upgrade … I’m certainly keen to look at coming back next year.”

Oasis Programs Supervisor Fiona Claridge said the week’s training session in Wagga was a coup for the city and the facilities upgrade would also assist in attracting similar events.

“The work we’re doing certainly improves the standard of the facility and we’ve received positive feedback from Swimming NSW,” Ms Claridge said.