Swimmers complain water too cold, visibility poor

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2007

MELBOURNE (AFP) — Swimmers at the world championships are complaining that the warm-up pool is too cold, while others have hit out at poor water visibility in the competition venue.

Australian backstroker Matt Welsh said he was "numb" and "shaking" after his 30-minute warm-up Monday and claimed the pool temperature, believed to be as low as 25 degrees Celsius, was causing slower race times.

"As you swim along you're slowly getting numb so it's very cold," he said.

"It's just hard to relax and get your energy back because all your energy is going into trying to get yourself warm."

Others have questioned the visibility and quality of the water in the main temporary pool in Rod Laver Arena.

"It's pretty dark out there and the water is pretty...