News Round-Up:

Italy: Italian backstroke ace Sebastiano Ranfagni will undergo tests tomorrow that will determine whether he will be allowed to continue to be an elite competitor. Suspended as a health precaution under Italian sports rules, Ranfagni will undergo an examination of the right ventricle of his heart. Only a certificate from doctors confirming that he is fit to train and compete will allow him back into the race pool in Italy. Ranfagni's 1:57.49 effort in the world titles final of the 200m backstroke at Shanghai 2011 remains the best ever by an Italian in a textile suit.

Australia: Swimming Australia Head Coach Leigh Nugent has described the Super Series in Perth next week as a great opportunity for the Dolphins to get 2013 off to a good start in the face of strong opposition from China and South Africa. The inaugural BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series will be staged on January 18-19. “We’re all looking forward to getting over to Perth to race, and we want to start this first BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series in strong fashion,” said Nugent. “This meet will be about racing well, and the format of two athletes per nation in straight finals for points and prize money, suggests a lot of tactics will also come into play.” The Super Series is part of the build up to the EnergyAustralia Swimming Championships and Aussie selection trials for the World Championships to be held in Adelaide from April 26 to May 3.

USA: Katie Hoff (USA), 23, has set swimming aside for a while after enrolling at Miami University. The former world champion and record holder over 400m medley last raced at the US Olympic trials. Her London 2012 campaign was derailed by a debilitating bout of food poisoning.