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Metro stars in Oz action

20/12/2006

STOCKPORT Metro stars Cassie Patten and Keri-Anne Payne are among a group of British swimmers set to compete at the 2007 Swimming Australia Open Water Championships this week [Dec 21-23].

Members of next year's World Championship squad selected to compete in Melbourne in March will take to Australian waters where they will compete against some of the top open water swimmers attempting to cement their place on the host nations' team.

Alan Bircher (Bath University), Patten and Payne have gone to Australia with coach Sean Kelly, who heads up the Metro swimming programme.

The Australian Championships and the World Championships use the same course allowing athletes to familiarise themselves with the surroundings.

For Kelly, it is the first time he has taken a British squad abroad for an international open water meet.

"Our preparation to go out there will not be ideal. The athletes will go straight to compete after arriving in Australia, and then will fly straight back after competition. However, it will be a useful trip for the swimmers," said Kelly.

"There is a strong tradition of open water swimming in Australia, so the strength of the competition will be good for our squad members."

For Payne, it will be her first 10km competitive swim in what is her first open water international appearance.

The Stockport Metro swimmer qualified for the World Championship squad after a time trial held at Loughborough University last month.