“The injury is still very much at a minor stage and it should be fixed up quickly. I will be back in the water in no time but unfortunately I am going to have to miss the Commonwealth Games.”
“I am in two minds about it (the criteria). I think basing selection on world rankings is a bit harsh. I can understand Swimming Australia wants to set the bar fairly high, but I don't think it should be at the expense of a Commonwealth Games medal. I am a fan of choosing the team based on Commonwealth rankings.”
“I wouldn't say there's an imbalance. We have to remember that, yes, Ian is a big celebrity and he does get a lot of attention from the press, but he has broken 22 world records, won five Olympic gold medals and as many world championship gold medals. I think any attention he has gotten, he deserves.”
“If it can't be detected in blood or urine, we have to think of other avenues to catch people. If it means searching for it at customs, we should do that.”
“It is flawed slightly and needs some tweaking so if someone is injured or sick, they still have a chance of staking a claim. Generally, I've never had problems with our criteria as it's cut-throat and you must perform on the day. But there should be something discretionary to allow athletes, in special circumstances, the chance to be in the program.”
