What to expect at Beijing's "Water Cube"
Leigh Nugent, Australian National Team Director: "My expectation is more about Libby and Ian returning to competition that it is about their results. Before his races in Singapore, Ian has not competed in six years so this is part of the learning process. We are looking for improvements this week over his performances in Singapore and we will be looking for him to swim even faster in Tokyo. Of course we expect a significant improvement in his times before our Olympic Trials in March. Ian is entered in the 100 IM and in the 100 Fly. His objective is to qualify for the Australian 4 x 100m free relay. I'd like to have him on the 4 x 200m free relay as well. If he is fast enough perhaps he will race in some individual events as well in London."
Therese Alshammar, Sweden: "I am very pleased to be in Beijing as I have very fond memories from the 2008 Olympic Games held at this pool. It's the first time that I am back at the Water Cube after the Olympics. I am really looking forward to this competition. This is a very good pool. I also enjoyed the Shanghai World Championships this past summer. China has offered strong performances during the previous World Cup events. I look forward to strong racing from Chinese athletes in Beijing which makes all of us better."
Leigh Nugent & Therese Alshammar at the Press Conference
Tomita Naoya, Japan: "It's my first time racing at the Beijing Water Cube as I did not compete in the last Olympic Games."
Liu Zige, China: "I'm preparing for the 2012 London Olympic Games and the FINA World Cup in Beijing is the shortest distance from my hometown. I'm happy that I don't have to travel abroad. I received very good training in America."