12th Fina World Swimming Championship-Seychelles delegation off to Melbourne Saturday |16 March 2007

The delegation comprises six swimmers – three females and three males - and coach Manuel Marin Mendoza.

The female swimmers, who are to swim during the championship from March 17 to April 1, are South Africa-based Shrone Austin (400m freestyle, 800m freestyle and 1,500m freestyle), Shannon Austin (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke) and Hawaii-based Sam Maitland (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m Individual Medley, 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke).

The male swimmers who are to plunge in the Rod Laver Arena temporary pool named after former Australian swimming star Susie O’Neill, are Steven Mangroo (100m freestyle, 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle), Julio Smith (50m breaststroke and 100m breaststroke) and Bertrand Bristol (50m butterfly, 100m butterfly and 200m butterfly).

Speaking to Sports Nation about each of the six swimmers, coach Mendoza said that “Bertrand is the team leader. Although he works for long hours, he gives his best in training and I expect him to swim well in Melbourne.”

“I expect Julio to improve his best times, while Steven should improve his 400m freestyle record,” added coach Mendoza.

As for the ladies, the Venezuelan coach said that “Shrone is always competitive. She always swims to the level expected of her.”

“Shannon will swim well because she has been training hard. She will reap the reward. As for Sam, it will be her first outing with the team and we’ll see how she copes.”

It must be noted that Sam Maitland, whose mother is a Seychellois - Doris Hissen - came here on her third visit last year and competed in the three-day Sacos-sponsored National Swimming Championship and caught the eyes of many including those of the Seychelles team’s coaching staff.
Born in Washington DC, United States of America, Maitland won five gold medals and speaking to Sports Nation at the end of championship, she expressed her desire to swim for Seychelles.

G. G.