All eyes and ears are turning toward Australia for the up coming Olympic
games.

I heard something on the radio yesterday specifically regarding the
Tri-Athletes who will be swimming in the the Sydney Harbor.  A concern
was voiced over the potential for shark attack and the Olympic official
of course down-played any aspect of danger, but said that certain
precautions were in place never the less.

Apparently during the in-water swim portion of the three event
competition, divers will be escorting the swimmers across the harbor.
The divers will also be 'repelling' any 'pesky pointers' with the
infamous 'Shark-Pod' which, in technical terms, is an
anti-shark-keeper-away device.  :-)   It diving sounds like good job if
you can get it, however, I'd also want a battery operated underwater
scooter if required to keep up with the swimmers on the
surface...particularly if you have to lug a bulky, giganti-mungas shark
pod thingy lashed to your body.

For more reading on the Shark-Pod:
http://sharkpod.co.za/
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Organizations/SSG/11Newsletter/shark11news8.htm

An Aussi connected with the event when asked if he was concerned about
the impact that any potential shark attack may have on the Tri-Athletes
mental attitude and performance remarked that he expected the shark
scare to motivate the swimmers, resulting in new records for the
in-water portion of the event.  :-)  Although he was chuckling during
the interview, he was probably only half kidding.  I love the Aussi's
sense of 'sport'.  :-)  Let the games begin!

So, Strike, have you got any other inside info on the dive ops for the
tri-geek event?

Best regards,
Russ