Nine has announced that Aussie swimming fans will continue to have access to the Dolphin’s “Path to Paris” – live and free – on the 9Network and 9Now.
The long-term deal will continue the partnership between Swimming Australia and the national broadcaster.
The Nine Network will officially become the home of swimming, broadcasting the National Championship events and Olympic and Paralympic Trials until the end of 2024.
Starting with the Australian Short Course Championships, to be streamed live and free from September 13-16 on 9Now, all marquee swimming events will be shown live.
The network’s long-term planning for their own Olympic and Paralympic journey will take in the Dolphins’ Path to Paris which includes:
• World Aquatics Championships, Doha in February
• Australian Swimming Championships in April
• Olympic and Paralympic Team Trials in June
• 2024 Paris Olympics in July
• 2024 Paris Paralympics in August
The contract extension follows the success of Nine’s multi-platform coverage of July’s World Championships in Fukuoka and the World Para Championships in Manchester.
As fans tuned in, for only the second time since the Melbourne 1956 Olympics, the Dolphins finished as the world’s top swimming nation and the Dolphins Para team had their best campaign in over a decade.
“Australian’s appetite to watch top-class swimming has never gone away – as both World Champs showed us,” Swimming Australia interim CEO Steve Newman said.
“It is exciting time for swimming in this country. The world’s eyes will be upon us as we head towards Paris – starting with the upcoming Sydney Sprints.
“To have a partnership that follows this journey is a win not just for swimming fans but all sports fans.
“We are proud to call Nine the home of Australia’s most successful Olympic sport.
“With Paris less than a year away and selections on the line, it is great news for fans of Australian swimming that no matter where you are across the country, you will be able to stream or watch the action live.
“Nine’s commitment and quality of coverage will continue Swimming Australia’s vision to be a unifying leader in the growth and success of the sport.”
The path to Paris 2024 continues next week at the Australian Short Course Championships.
Emerging stars will go head-to-head against World Championship Dolphins at the Sydney Sprints and fans will receive 9Now coverage of every heat and every final.
More than 500 swimmers will compete across four days of action at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre including decorated Olympian Bronte Campbell.
For Campbell, it will be her first national campaign hit out since making her return to swimming post Tokyo Olympics. Joining her in Sydney will be Cody Simpson, Shaun Champion and distance specialist Maddie Gough in what could be just the fillip needed for Paris selections.
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