Swim Australia, one of the world's biggest and most high profile teams, signed a long-term deal with Manchester City Council. They will also use the facilities this year before the World Swimming Championships in Rome and for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.
The team will use both 50-metre pools at the Manchester Aquatic Centre - a purpose built, state-of-the-art venue which regularly hosts world class swimming events and is home to the highly successful British Paralympic Swimming team.
The deal adds to announcements in late 2008 that Thailand and the 15 Pacific Island nations in Oceania will also base themselves in England’s Northwest. Over 600 potential Pre-Games Training Camp facilities have been identified across the UK, spreading the benefits far beyond London.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council said: 'We’re absolutely delighted that a swimming team of Australia’s calibre has chosen Manchester as its training base for these world events.
'It is testament to the sports facilities and infrastructure that Manchester has available for elite athletes such as Swim Australia that they have opted to train here for their next three international competitions. We look forward to welcoming them to the city and wish them every success now and in the future.'
Go to the Pre-Games Training Camps guide, featuring all facilities around the UK selected as suitable for hosting athletes before the Games.
