Anabelle Smith and Maddison Keeney will challenge for another Olympics 3m snychro podium finish in Paris after being the first Australian divers to lock in their spots for the 2024 Games.
Smith, 31, and Keeney, 28, claimed 3m synchro bronze at the 2016 Games in Rio, only for the latter to miss the Toyko Games in 2021 due to injury.
The pair then won gold at the recent Olympic test event in Paris and were the silver medallists at the world championship earlier this year, which guaranteed them a start at the Games.
They also pocketed the the Commonwealth 3m synchro title together two years ago in Birmingham.
Smith – who has made a successful return to competition after rupturing her achilles 18 months ago – will join Melissa Wu, Jenny Donnet and Loudy Wiggins as the only Australian divers to compete at four Olympics.
“I have been fortunate to represent Australia for almost 15 years, and have had some incredible success, along with some really challenging times,” Smith said on Monday.
“To be announced on my fourth Olympic team, alongside Maddi, is an incredible feeling, and a testament to the work I’ve put in, but also to the team I have had around me.
“I have been really happy with my form, returning to competition this year after a long time on the sidelines recovering from my ruptured achilles.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming back from that significant of an injury, so I was relieved to see all the hard work and focus on my rehab get rewarded back in the pool.”
The pair have formed a successful partnership despite living nearly 2000km apart, with Smith based in Melbourne and Keeney in Brisbane.
Keeney will now turn her attention to the national Olympic trials in the individual events in June.
“I am so happy and proud to be selected for the Games again,” said Keeney.
“It’s a huge relief to have our 3m synchro selection locked in so I can focus on preparing for the rest of the Olympic trials, and the Games themselves.”
John Salvado
(Australian Associated Press)