OPEN WATER 10K DEBUT

BEIJING, CHINA, OPEN WATER SWIMMING, August 19: Australia's swimming assault continues Wednesday but this time it is away from the National Aquatic Centre and out at Shunyi, the venue for the rowing, with the men's and women's 10km races.

Beijing 2008 is the first time this discipline has been contested at an Olympic Games.

The women are first into the water and Melissa Gorman is Australia's lone competitor while Ky Hurst will take part in the men's race on Thursday. DAVID MASON AOC REPORTS....

Gorman goes into the race in good form after clocking a competitive time of 8:32.34 in the 800m freestyle in the pool last week.

Then on Thursday all eyes will be on former Ironman Champion Ky Hurst, who is Australia's lone hope in the men's 10km race.

Hurst, who is well known for his exploits in the surf, where he won four National Ironman Championships, finished 5th in the 2008 Open Water World Championships to earn his place in the field.

The 27-year-old had his first taste of the venue yesterday and came away from a light training swim impressed: "It's a great venue, very impressive," he said. "I've waited for the chance to swim at an Olympic Games for a long time and I can't wait to get in the water and give it everything I've got."

Gorman and Hurst will enjoy the full support of the stars of the pool with the entire Australian swimming team heading to Shunyi to cheer on their teammates today and tomorrow.