Australian open-water swimmers are rallying to protect their sport from being dropped from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic program, with world champion Moesha Johnson describing the prospect as "gut-wrenching."
The International Olympic Committee plans to reduce the number of sports from the record 36 scheduled for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Open-water swimming is among those at risk.
A sport in Australia's DNA
Johnson, an Olympic silver medallist, said losing the event would damage the entire ecosystem of the sport.
"To lose that high performance piece at the Olympics and the ability to be inspired to dream, that would be a real disturbance to the whole ecosystem of open-water swimming," she told AAP.
"It's in our DNA. We're proud of our swim team and that includes our open-water swimming team."
Fellow Dolphins teammate Nick Sloman echoed her concerns. "It's gut-wrenching," he told AAP. "Hopefully we can change the perspective of not only the world but a lot of Australians."
Fighting for the sport's future
Johnson, who won her silver medal in the 10km race in the Seine River in Paris, also completed an unheralded sweep of World Cup events this year, winning every race. She is the reigning world champion over 5km and 10km.
"It was a shock that open water swimming was even on the cutting block for the Olympics," she said.
"Open water swimming is the original form of swimming at the Olympics. It's the most traditional and rawest form of swimming, it's very accessible all over the world."
She noted that Brisbane has many suitable venues, making the potential cut even more frustrating. "For Brisbane, we are almost fighting over where open water should go because we have so many beautiful venues to show off to the world and that's something that is really important."
Broader impact beyond the Games
Johnson said the issue extends beyond Olympic competition, affecting community participation and youth mental health.
"If we can fight for open water at the Olympics, it's creating something for future generations to look forward to in the sport of high performance," she said. "But also in communities, it's a mental health thing for young people as well, so it's bigger than just performance at the Olympics."
She has been engaging with competitors, the Australian Olympic Committee, and World Aquatics to build support. "Everyone isn't just fighting for a sport on the Olympic program, but believes in our sport and our community."
Time running out
Australia's head open water swim coach Fernando Possenti warned that time is short. "From what I know, the venues and all the sports should be published at the end of this year for Brisbane '32 ... so probably a decision will be made in a couple of months," he told AAP.
IOC president Kirsty Coventry has already flagged "difficult decisions" ahead. "The size will change. We don't expect to see 36 sports," she said in May.
