Australia's best pool lifesavers to compete internationally

AUSTRALIA'S top pool lifesavers have been invited to take on some of the world's best competitors at the 2009 German Cup which is to be held in Warendorf, Germany from 19 to 22 November 2009.

Organised by the German Life Saving Association (DLRG), the German Cup provides world class athletes with the opportunity to test their skills against some of the sport's rising stars.

The point score system used in this competition is unique in the world of pool lifesaving and incorporates winning points based on times swum over a minimum of four events per competitor. In addition to this, relay times are also included in the overall point score.

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Sport Development Officer, Penny Hodgers said the point score system re-focused competitors on the need for speed and accuracy across the smorgasbord of events.

"Every athlete competing at this level develops their pet event where they are truly outstanding. The difference with this competition is it demands they show their athleticism across a range of events," Mrs Hodgers said.

"You can't just put in one stunning performance and expect that to carry you home. You have to pull out a top level performance in at least four events.

"This will be the second time the Australian Team has competed under this point score format.

"Fresh off the outstanding success the team had at the World Championships and the Commonwealth Championships earlier this year, they'll be hoping to improve their result from the German Cup in 2007 where they came third."
The team is listed below. Team members were selected competitively based on their performance in the pool across the year.

For interviews or further details about individual athletes, contact:

Belinda Lawton
National Communications Manager, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia
02 8217 3133 or 0434 562 307

The list provides name, home State, their suburb and the name of their home club.

Women's Team
Jess Brown (WA - Dianella) - Captain
Felysia Konakoff (NSW - Illawong/ Port Hacking)
Jane Cooper (NSW - Meadowbank/ Hills)
Pamela Hendry (QLD - Clayfield/ Sharks)
Stephanie Purcell (NSW - Oatley/ Port Hacking ) - first team

Men's Team
Andrew Bowden (NSW - Hurlstone Park / Hills) - Captain
Mitch Parkes (NSW - Sutherland / Port Hacking)
Luke Harper (VIC - Balwyn/ Torquay)
Blake McCrindle (NSW - Engadine / Engadine)
Ben Orford (NSW - Caringbah / Port Hacking)

Team Manager - Jeannie Baxter-Reid (QLD)
Team Coach - Rebecca Cohen (WA)
Team Official - Anni Gardiner (VIC)
Team Masseuse - Len Murphy (NSW)