I’ve spent a good deal of my time training for the open water trials on December 8 at Penrith and I can’t wait to get in the water and attempt to qualify for the event.

I’m actually getting ready to head up to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for a two week camp. The first week will be spent in Noosa, with the second week to be spent at Caloundra. I’m looking forward to it, not just for the extra sleep we get during camp, but also because for the first time in my life I have lost my tan. I’m not usually vain about anything, but I’m not really enjoying my new found pale skin. I need to train outdoors!

I was part of the Speedo photo shoot for their new range with Steph Rice, Libby Lenton and Jessicah Schipper. I also got a look at their new suit which I will wear at the Olympic trials and in Beijing.

It just reminded me how far we have come from the days when we thought the less material the better, to now where it is a case of the more body coverage the better. The suits have become more comfortable over time, and the comfort level of the new suit is better than any before. I’m especially lucky as I have mine tailored for my body.

I watched the World Cup meet in Sydney and Korean swimmer Park Tai-Wan to be very impressive in winning the 200, 400 and 1500 metre freestyle events, and then bettering his times in Berlin. He is really shaping as a key rival.

Speaking of great swimmers I was thrilled to see Libby Lenton win the Swimmer of the Year award. It was thoroughly deserved after her performance at the World Champs.

I think it’s great swimming is becoming more global. In the last five or six years we have seen plenty of very good swimmers come out of Japan and now Korea, as well as more European countries. In the past swimming was dominated by the USA, Australia, and a handful of European powerhouses.

With Beijing months away the team is coming along nicely, especially Eamon Sullivan who is proving to be a star. We won five individual golds in Athens as well as two relay golds and hopefully we might even improve on that effort in Beijing.

Take care - Grant

Candice and I moved apartments on the weekend and had a BBQ for our house-warming.
 
It was an enjoyable day and we didn’t cop the winds due to being positioned on the right side of the building. I can’t imagine Melbourne was fun for anyone with hay fever yesterday.
 
A couple of weeks ago I competed in [...]