Kai Robertson (Revesby Workers) and Caleb Dryer (Trinity Grammar) are preparing to contest the FINA World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships 2022 in Beau Vallon, Seychelles, as part of the Australian World Junior Team.
Revesby Workers SC Head Coach Alex Clarke will guide Australian swimmers as part of the coaching team, along with Queenslanders Harley Connolly and Maxine Seear.
Clarke earned his spot as an Australian Team coach, placing both Kai Robertson and Abbey Connor on the team after their performances at the 2022 Australian Open Water Swimming Championships in January. Recently returned from a stint overseas on senior Australian Teams, Connor’s World Junior Open Water Team qualification was superseded in June when she achieved selection on to the FINA World Championships pool team - and the title of newest Australian Dolphin.
“Alex has been at the helm of Revesby Workers since 2016 and has built the program to what it is today,” said Swimming NSW Coaching Director, Jon Shaw.
“He’s an avid supporter of both open water and pool athletes, and always has one of the biggest squads at Australian Open Water Championships. It’s great to see his dedication rewarded with a leadership spot on this team.”
17-year-old Kai Robertson “was born to swim open water” according to Shaw. “He’s got the tenacity and passion for the craft.”
Robertson made a statement earlier this year at the 2022 Australian Open Water Swimming Championships in Adelaide, taking out first place in both the 7.5km and 5km age events. Robertson’s performance in the 7.5km (1:29:27.17) earned him his place on the World Junior Open Water squad.
The Open Water scene is a real change of pace for Australian Age 200m butterfly gold medallist and pool swimmer, Caleb Dryer. Dabbling in open water competition at the 2022 Australian Swimming Championships, Dryer took second place in the Men’s 18 years 10km event (1:58:48.97).
Hard-working and focused in all areas of his life, notably his recent outstanding results in the HSC, Dryer has revealed his value as an athlete to the Australian Team – achieving at the highest levels of the sport no matter the arena.
The FINA World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships 2022 will take place from 16-18 September in Beau Vallon, Seychelles. You can follow Kai and Caleb’s progress as per the schedule below:
Kai Robertson - Men’s 7.5km on Friday 16 September from 4pm
Caleb Dryer - Men’s 10km on Saturday 17 September from 2pm
Caleb Dryer - Men’s 4x1500m Relay on Sunday 18 September from 4pm, with Finella Gibbs-Beal, Piper Sanderson and Robert Thorpe
Watch FINA’s You Tube channel for video coverage.
