With Duel in the Pool On Horizon, Swimming Australia Throws Good-Humored Shade At the United States

With Duel in the Pool On Horizon, Swimming Australia Throws Good-Humored Shade At the United States

In the leadup to next week’s Duel in the Pool between the United States and Australia in Sydney, the host nation took to social media to have a little fun with its rival. Posting an image of a smashed American-themed guitar on Twitter, Swimming Australia dropped the latest salvo between the aquatic superpowers.

Australia and the United States will square off from August 19-21 in a dual-meet format at the Sydney Aquatics Centre, which served as host of the 2000 Olympic Games. To hype up the showdown, Australia went for the humorous approach while drawing on the history of the sport – specifically the last time the Olympics were held Down Under.

Oops, too soon @USASwimming? ?#DuelInThePool | #SplashOfTheTitans | @7plus | @7Sport pic.twitter.com/rxZ10U8zt9

— Swimming Australia (@SwimmingAUS) August 12, 2022

Prior to the 400-meter freestyle relay at the 2000 Games, Australian media focused on a quote from American Gary Hall Jr. that the United States would “smash” the home squad like guitars. The quote was part of a wider discussion, one in which Hall was complimentary of Australia as a nation and its support of swimming. However, that one line was picked up – and served as fuel for the Dolphins.

When the countries met in the final of the 400 free relay, the Aussies set a world record while narrowly edging the Americans. As a celebration, the quartet of Michael Klim, Chris Fydler, Ashley Callus and Ian Thorpe engaged in an air-guitar show on the deck. Hall was one of the first athletes to walk over and congratulate the Aussies.

The social-media zinger was in response to what USA Swimming fired off last week, a picture of an eagle carrying a dolphin, which is the nickname for Aussie National Team members.

Happy Friday to everyone except @SwimmingAUS ?

Two more weeks until #DuelInThePool! ? pic.twitter.com/6y4CRHMVU7

— USA Swimming (@USASwimming) August 5, 2022

Now, Australia has looked to the past and fired its first friendly warning shot at the United States for the Duel. As they say, Let the Games begin!

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use