Selection on the line at the 2010 Pool Rescue Championships

Elite surf sport athletes will converge on the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre this weekend for the 2010 Australian Pool Rescue Championships, with places on the Australian team for the World Life Saving Championships âRescue 2010â in Egypt on the line.
More than 230 athletes from throughout Australia and New Zealand will be competing over the two days of competition, with some of sportâs biggest names looking to force their way into selection contention.
World Ironman champion, Shannon Eckstein (Northcliffe) headlines a strong menâs field that includes former Australian representatives Chris Allum (Cronulla), Downie Langthorne (Bulli) and Mitch Parks (Elouera). Impressive youngsters Ali Day (Warilla-Barrack Point) and Dev Lahey (Northcliffe) will be pushing their claims after outstanding summer seasons.
The womenâs competition will feature two-time Australian Ironwoman champion Kristyl Smith, along with her Northcliffe team mates, Elizabeth Pluimers and Courtney Hancock. World championships silver medalist, Jenny Parry (North Burleigh), will be looking to win selection to the Australian team once again.
Australian Head Coach, Brett Dowker, believes competition will be fierce over the weekend with places in the Australian team still to be decided.
âThe Australian team for Rescue 2010 in Egypt hasnât been finalised yet, so I think weâll see some intense competition throughout the championships â every competitor wants a seat on that plane.
âThe selectors have some tough decisions to make as there are many top quality athletes here, but Iâm confident weâll go to Egypt with a highly competitive team.�?
Australia is currently ranked number one in the world and will head into Rescue 2010 looking to defend their title. But Dowker anticipates strong competition from rivals New Zealand in Egypt.
Selectors are due to announce the Australian team for Rescue 2010 in the next three weeks.