Australia downplays swimming dominance

Australian head coach Alan Thompson(BEIJING, August 5) -- Australia showcased six world record holders at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Tuesday but head coach Alan Thompson played down the idea that the contest at the National Aquatics Center will be a two-horse race.

The USA set nine world records in their Olympic trials and the Australians eight. But Thompson said there were several nations which could win medals.

Although not normally considered small, he singled out Great Britain and France for special mention.

Thompson was flanked by Australian swimmers Grant Hackett, Eamon Sullivan, Stephanie Rice, Leisel Jones, Lisbeth Trickett and Jessicah Schipper.

Sullivan expanded on the idea the field is wide, particularly in his events.

"You could throw a blanket over the top eight. You could even fit in 12. It's ridiculous how close everything is and how fast everyone's swimming. It would be silly to say a favorite, because there wouldn't be much difference between one and eight,'' he said.

Team captain Hackett also avoided complacency, refusing to be drawn on the possible medal tally that awaits his team. Bidding for three 1500m Freestyle titles in three consecutive games, he said he is in the best possible form.

"My expectations are to do it better than I've ever done it before. I probably feel more relaxed going into these Olympic Games. I'll certainly give it everything," he said.

Athens 2004 Olympic Games Silver and Bronze medalist in the breaststroke events Leisel Jones was asked about the elusive - and missing - gold medal.

"I thought of something funny when I was training the other day," she said.

"A gold medal would almost mean just a cherry on the top of the cake. I've already got the icing and I've already got the base. So the cherry would be just the nice bit on the top."

The final word on the controversial Speedo LZR swimsuit went to Thompson.

"I think that the amount of focus that's being placed upon the swimsuits take the focus away a little bit from the performances of the athletes," he said.

"Swimsuit technology advancement is something that we've been doing since we wore full-length woolen swimsuits in 1908. In my opinion, it's nothing new."