LOCAL swimmers Blair Evans (18) and Rhys Mainstone (19) are heading to Italy this week for the 2009 FINA World Swimming Championships.
The pair, from the City of Perth Swimming Club, will join the Telstra Dolphins Australian Swim Team in Rome for the event.
Evans will contest the women’s 800m freestyle, after winning the national title to gain selection.
The 18-year-old broke the record for the event at Swimming WA’s State Open Championships earlier this month with a time of 8:19.68.
Rhys Mainstone will compete in the 10km event, which tests an athlete’s speed, endurance and mental toughness, as well as an ability to sustain kicks and blows in the clinches.
Mainstone started out as a breaststroker and made the transition into distance swimming with his unique ability to combine speed with endurance in the training pool. He is currently the WA Open Water Swimmer of the Year.
Coach Matt Magee said their inclusion in the national squad is a testament to their decision making process.
“They made choices that others around the country did not,” he said.
“They chose a winning attitude and were prepared to put in the effort that goes with that, and it is those changes that make a difference.”
The 13th FINA World Swimming Championships are being held in Rome, from July 19 to August 2.