Australia's artistic swimming team was completed on Friday with the addition of Rayna Buckle. Photo: Australian Olympic Committee
Rayna Buckle has been selected to the Australian Olympic Team in the artistic swimming team following the retirement of Hannah Cross.
The 20-year-old will complete the eight-person team and is one of six debutants in the Australian team with the two time Olympians Emily Rogers and Amie Thompson competing in the duet event on top of the team event.
Chef de Mission, Ian Chesterman congratulated Buckle on her Olympic debut and thanked Cross for her time in the sport.
“Congratulations Rayna on being named to the Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo,” Mr Chesterman said.
“This has been a very long and difficult preparation for the Olympic Games and today is a day to celebrate years of hard work to achieve this goal, for Rayna, her family, friends and teammates.
“I also want to thank Hannah for everything she has given to the sport and to her teammates.
“I know Rayna will make the most of this opportunity and will do her teammates and Australia proud.”
For Buckle it’s a dream come true to be added to the Olympic team.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to represent Australia in a sport that has been my passion for so much of my life,” Buckle said.
“Even though I’m a new addition to this team, I’m so proud to be part of this amazing team and am immensely grateful for this opportunity. I really want to swim my best for the team and for Australia.”
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Head coach Loredana Montico, commended Buckle’s improvement throughout 2021 to earn her place on the team.
“Rayna has shown a significant improvement since she began training with the team in January. She adds a lot to the team and is a pure joy to coach.”
ASAI President recognised Cross’ involvement with the team before welcoming Buckle to the team.
ASAI President paid tribute to Hannah Cross’ involvement with the team.
“We want to thank Hannah for her contribution to the sport and wish her all the best in her retirement,” Davis said.
“Rayna is welcomed to the team and we are grateful that she was ready and eager to take on this opportunity so close to the Olympics”.
Australian Artistic Swimming Team
| Name | Event/s | Olympic Games |
| Rayna Buckle | Team | Debut |
| Hannah Burkhill | Team | Debut |
| Kiera Gazzard | Team | Debut |
| Alessandra Ho | Team | Debut |
| Kirsten Kinash | Team | Debut |
| Rachel Presser | Team | Debut |
| Emily Rogers | Team & Duet | Rio 2016 |
| Amie Thompson | Team & Duet | Rio 2016 |
The Artistic Swimming competition runs from 2 – 7 August at the Tokyo Aquatic centre.
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