Geoff Huegill, the Sydney 2000 Olympic bronze medallist for Australia in the 100m butterfly, has confirmed a comeback as part of coach Grant Stoelwinder's new Sydney squad.
More than 30kg of weight have been shed from Skippy's post-retirement bulk in readiness to take on the 50m and 100m butterfly in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.
"This is what I want to do," the 29-year-old told the Australian media. "I have set my goals for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and I am really enjoying the challenge. I am excited to announce that after my move to Sydney to focus on my swimming and media career, and talking with my partner, my family and my close friends, I have decided to return to professional swimming - I have unfinished business in the pool."
He joins a squad that boasts Eamon Sullivan, Libby Trickett and Andrew Lauterstein among its number. The coach noted: "This is not a flash in the pan. Geoff actually registered with Swimming Australia last January so he could be placed on the WADA list and I cannot fault him at all. Whether he reaches his goals he will be a winner for himself, physically, mentally and emotionally. But I see Geoff as a leader for our group, a person who has been through the ups and downs and someone who can guide some of these younger guys through the pitfalls of fame that swimmers have in Australia. He has been there done that and already he has shown his leadership qualities in the group."
