World swimming championships are just as important as the Olympic Games

While medal numbers vary greatly, there is no similar correlation with regard to the number of Australians making the finals. Although Australian swimmers won just two gold medals in 2011 (including one relay), that year was the most successful in terms of the number of Australians making individual event finals (27).

Of course, even making a final one year does not guarantee future success. While our individual performances in the freestyle events certainly improved after 2011 and 2012 (including more medals), five female butterly finalists in 2011 did not lead to medals in later global championships.

What does the table indicate? Well it is indeed hard for any swimmer to make a global championship final, never mind win a medal.

Is there a magical solution for Australia to remain a major swimming power? I doubt it.

While swimming will long remain an important part of Australia’s sporting culture, even greater public assistance to assist swimmers and keep the best coaches may not be enough to prevent many more countries producing a greater number of talented swimmers. This is even more likely if prizemoney continues to rise for global swimming.  

Does it matter? Maybe for some, but not for me.  I just enjoy watching the best swimmers in the world compete, although I will always prefer Australians to win.  

Whether Australia maintains its swimming prowess over time remains to be seen, but world swimming championships are indeed very important.