KAP7 Aussie Sharks path to Tokyo

The KAP7 Aussie Sharks have mapped out their path towards the Tokyo Olympic Games, just over 200 days away.

The Sharks national program will be based in Sydney, with the NSW Institute of Sport program now transitioning in partnership with WPA to be part of the national program overseen by KAP7 Aussie Sharks Head Coach Elvis Fatovic.

WAIS have also backed the approach through their continued support of WA based athletes that have relocated to Sydney.

There will be exceptions to this with triple Olympian Rhys Howden to remain in Brisbane training with the QAS, Captain and dual Olympian Aaron Younger together with Olympic hopefuls Nathan Power and Lachlan Edwards will be based in Europe with their overseas Clubs.

National Performance Director, Charles Turner, said the plan for the KAP7 Aussie Sharks has been developed in consultation with the NIN.

“With international travel unlikely before Tokyo, it was important for us to develop a program leading into the Olympics that gave the squad the best opportunity to prepare as one,” said Turner.

“I want to thank the NIN, NSWIS and WAIS in particular, for their willingness to work with us collaboratively to create the best possible environment for our squads in what will be a very different Olympic build up for our team.

“Outside of the camps and structured daily training environment that will be created in Sydney, our coaching and support staff will work constantly with our players based overseas and in Brisbane.

“We have also built in additional support around strength and conditioning as well as physio support.

“The Australian Waterpolo League combined with the different State based Club competitions will also be of importance for our players to be able to get game time under their belt,” he said.

While the domestic program offers a lot of certainty, Turner said dual calendars have been developed should international travel open up.

“In these uncertain times though, we need to be flexible. So we have developed two potential calendars leading into the Olympics, one where it is focused on a domestic based program and one that would allow for the Sharks to travel overseas and/or for Australia to host an international side.

“Not only will the international calendar be dependent on Federal Government travel guidelines, but we will also be working closely with the AIS and AOC medical team and following their advice,” he said.

The domestic program will see the KAP7 Aussie Sharks finish off 2020 with a camp in Sydney, followed by five day camps in January, February, March and April. An extended centralised program will bring the squad together for May and June.

Should international travel be deemed possible, there are various options available to the Sharks whether that is hosting teams or travelling. These would be assessed in conjunction with the AIS and AOC medical teams prior to committing to any options.