Sydney looks set to host the Australian Swimming Championships next year after conditions at the Chandler Aquatic Centre were compared to that of a sauna.

The opening day of the competition was held in unseasonally hot conditions with the temperature rising to 33 degrees. The high temperatures and lack of air conditioning in the centre were widely blamed for Ian Thorpe narrowly missing his own world record in the 400m Freestyle on Monday night.

Brisbane was a firm favourite to host the next 3 national titles before they move to Melbourne in 2006 to double as the Commonwealth Games trials. But the problems with the air conditioning and the starting blocks, which had to be repaired half way through the meet, have prompted a re-think about the venue for next year’s championships.

Two other Australian Swimming Meets are set to be held in Sydney over the next 6 months. The QANTAS Skins have been moved forward in the calendar to Friday, June 21st, 2002 from it's traditional date in early December.

The Telstra Grand Prix will also return to Sydney in July. The second meet in the Grand Prix series will be held at the Sydney Aquatic Centre from 19th -20th July, 2002.

See Also
  • Australian Swimming