Marching into Rio to the beat of the same drum

 

  

Swimming Australia, July 30, 2016: The Australian Swim Team were treated to drum lessons as part of a team activity organised to help them fine tune their rhythm and connect as a team ahead of their departure for Rio.

In a meeting room at the Auburn University Hotel, the local ‘Spicer Music Group’ divided their 70-drum-haul amongst the athletes, coaches and support staff for the evening session.

 

The Spicer group, which last night consisted of Father and Son duo Tim and Tom Spicer, specialise in group music and team building activities with key messages revolving around the importance of listening, sharing, creating and accepting – all while playing the drums!

 

The swimmers were tasked with a ‘Chinese whispers’ style activity which saw a ‘beat’ passed from person to person. As the game went on, other beats and distractions were added but the original beats had to be continuously received and distributed.

 

Similarly, when the team arrives in Rio they will face many distractions but will need to remain focused on their race and their teammates’ races to ensure they don’t miss a beat when it comes to their racing opportunities.

With a strong carnival vibe in Rio, there will no doubt be many a drum playing in the background but the Australian Swim team will be marching to the beat of just one.   

All credit for images: Delly Carr / Swimming Australia Ltd.