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Australian swim stars want bigger pool of money

Many top Aussie swim stars are on less than $30,000 a year and struggling to survive on the breadline.
Their case got a boost when the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission yesterday ordered Swimming Australia to enter negotiations with the Australian Swimmers' Association.
Association chief Daniel Kowalski last night welcomed the ACCC's decision, but stressed a wage increase would be difficult in the current climate.
"We know that the revenue stream of swimming isn't that of the bigger players in the market place like the NRL and AFL," Kowalski told the Herald Sun
.
"Having said that, of course, we'd like more for our members. Our top swimmers receive just above the minimum wage and have to rely on sponsorships and endorsements.
"But it's not just about the money as there are a number of other welfare and wellbeing issues that we want for our members."
The likelihood that our stars of the pool will be given a pay rise before next year's London Olympics seems remote.
Swimming Australia will lose major sponsor Telstra in two months in a huge blow to the sport. Officials are confident of securing another sponsorship deal before the end of the year.
But the stark reality is Australia's elite swimmers are living on the breadline.
Of 87 contracted swimmers, only 14 earn $30,000 per year.
They include Stephanie Rice and Geoff Huegill who only survive because of personal endorsements.
Many swimmers rely on the support of family. Some are unable to afford basic living expenses.

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