Tokyo Olympics: Australia all set to send massive 472-athlete strong contingent
The Tokyo Olympics would be open for all the nations from July 23. While every country is sending its best possible contingent, Australia is all set to send a massive squad that would comprise 472 athletes.
FollowEvery nation is gearing up with the best possible contingent for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics that gets underway from July 23. Some of the delegations would be so huge that it is almost confident of winning medals.
In the same light, Australia is all set to send a massive 472-athlete strong contingent to Tokyo. It would be the second-largest delegation ever sent by the nation since the 2004 Athens Olympics.
As per the Australian Olympic Committee, 254 women and 218 men would be a part of its contingent. In 2004, Australia had sent 482 athletes.
Among the athletes would be the number one ranked female tennis player Ashleigh Barty. The entire delegation is set to compete in 33 sports, while it would be making its debut in four new sports: karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing.
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"This has been extremely difficult for every athlete and each has their own individual story to tell. But, they have made it. Through their determination and commitment, they are going to Tokyo," said Ian Chesterman (Australians contingent's chef de mission), reports Associated Press.
"The AOC has talked about not setting medal targets and placing unhelpful expectations on these athletes. Given the events of the past 18 months, this has been the correct path. Getting to the start line has been so difficult," he added.
It would also be Australia's highest ever female percentage at the global event (53.5%), while its previous best was 50.90%, during the last edition in Rio de Janerio. Among all, athletics would be its powerhouse, with 63 contestants.
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