Australian 200m freestyler Kurt Herzog is set to attend the event and Wagga Swim Club vice president Wayne Murphy can’t wait to have the 26-year-old on deck.

“It’s always exciting for the swimmers to have someone of that calibre come along,” Murphy said.

“I think it’ll be a bit of fun.”

A relative late bloomer in swimming circles, Herzog debuted for Australia at 23 years of age and claimed bronze alongside legendary Olympian Grant Hackett in the 4x200m freestyle relay during the 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia.

Just 0.2 seconds separated Herzog from a place in Australia’s squad for Rio 2016 and a string of shoulder problems has since been problematic, however, it won’t stop the 26-year-old from taking to the water against some of the region’s best up-and-comers.

“We’re hoping Kurt will take part in a 50m freestyle handicap race on Sunday morning,” Murphy said.

“Kurt will be competing against the fastest boy and girl from under 12s, under 13s, under 14s and under 15s and over as well as the fastest multi-class swimmer.”

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