Australia's athletes raring to experience 'amazing' Games

SYDNEY－Australia's Olympic team leader says the nation's athletes are raring to get their Beijing 2022 campaign underway as the clock ticks down to the Feb 4 opening ceremony.

Chef de mission Geoff Lipshut told an online event jointly hosted by the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney and the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) that the first Aussie athletes will arrive in China in less than three weeks' time.

"It is an exciting time for all of our athletes and coaches who are still overseas and for those of us here, and everyone everywhere interested in Olympic and winter sport," Lipshut said. "From now to February 4, it is a really busy time for everyone involved in our team."

Lipshut added that the Australian team is expected to include between 40 and 50 athletes, with the whole delegation totaling more than 100 people. With five athlete spots secured so far, the remainder of the hopefuls are expected to qualify over the next three weeks.

"From the test events that have taken place, we understand all of the venues are absolutely excellent. In Beijing, from athletes in luge, skeleton, and bobsleigh, the sliding center in Yanqing is absolutely amazing, and a wonderful legacy facility for China. While we have not seen all the other venues yet, we all look forward to being there in person really soon," Lipshut said.

AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said the Australian team is looking forward to the Beijing Winter Games with great anticipation.

"Over many years, Australian and Chinese sport have united and cooperated for the benefit of athletes in both countries. This Olympic solidarity continues with discussions on further sporting exchanges," he said.

"The Australian team, Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates, vice-president Ian Chesterman, along with myself, look forward to attending the 24th Olympic Winter Games in Beijing in one month's time."

Winter Olympian Sami Kennedy-Sim said she was excited to come to Beijing for her third Games.

"We've been so warmly welcomed here for the Olympic test events in November. The facilities at the Olympic venues are amazing. Everything is so professional," said Kennedy-Sim, who competes in ski cross.

"The Chinese have been so welcoming to us and we are really grateful for the opportunity to represent our country and experience some of your culture. We can't wait to experience your great culture and experience a fantastic Games here in February 2022."

Mogul skier Britt Cox, set to compete in her fourth Olympic Games, echoed those sentiments, saying: "I love the culture, the people. It's so incredible to be somewhere that's so different to home, but I'm sure China will do a fantastic job and put on an epic Games."

Dressed for success

Meanwhile, the AOC on Tuesday unveiled the Australian Olympic team's formal uniforms, which will be worn at official functions during and after the Games.

The uniforms, designed and supplied by Australian brand Sportscraft, feature a navy wool-blend coat that is lined with the names of all of the country's 265 Winter Olympians through the decades.

Australian shoe brand Volley designed a limited-edition version of its Overgrip boot to go with the uniforms.

Lipshut said the launch of the uniforms was a fantastic way to mark the one-month countdown to Beijing 2022.

"I'm thrilled to see the formal uniforms revealed to mark today's one-month-to-go milestone, and I know our winter athletes will treasure the opportunity to wear this uniform," he said.

"Donning an Olympic uniform is an unforgettable moment for any Australian athlete, and to know you've got every Winter Olympian who has come before you, on your back, is a special touch."

Xinhua