Australia to review swim disappointment

Australia will review the disappointing performance of its much-heralded swimming team at the London Olympics, officials said on Monday, as they acknowledged the world had "lifted the bar".

Australia won one gold medal, six silver and three bronze in the pool in London - their lowest tally since Barcelona in 1992. They were also without an individual gold medalist for the first time since the 1976 Montreal Games.

The sole gold came in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay.

"We must do everything possible to get Australian swimming back on top," Swimming Australia president David Urquhart said in announcing the wide-ranging review.

"This is not a time for blame and scape-goating. This is an opportunity to make the changes required to rise to the international challenge."

Urquhart said the review will be independent and conducted by experienced coach Bill Sweetenham and former Olympic champion Susie O'Neill, who has blamed the poor showing on a lack of discipline compared to countries such as China.

"What I've been hearing ... is the work ethic from Australian swimmers is maybe not the same as it used to be 10 years ago," O'Neill said last week.

"Talent gets you this far in an Olympics; work ethic gets you across the line ... it's one part talent, it's four parts work ethic."

Urquhart said much had been said "by people here in London and back at home about our overall medal performance".

"While everyone is entitled to their own view, no one should doubt the commitment or effort of our swimmers," he said.

"All of them are proud to represent their country and have done their best in an incredibly competitive swim meet."

(China Daily 08/07/2012 page11)