U.S., Aussie swimmers to face off in Duel meet

SYDNEY — The United States and Australia will contest a Duel in the Pool competition in August, the first time the world swimming powers will compete against each other in a match-race situation since 2007.

The countries collected 50 swimming medals between them at last year’s Tokyo Olympics. Each country will send 30 swimmers to compete at Sydney’s Olympic Aquatic Centre and Bondi Beach for open-water events from Aug. 19-21.

First held in 2003, the Duel in the Pool was designed to pit the two powerful swimming nations against each other after they dominated international competition for the better part of a decade. The 2003 and 2005 versions were held in the U.S., with the 2007 duel at the Olympic pool in Sydney.

Swimming Australia on Wednesday said new race and relay formats will be among the innovations for the made-for-television event.

“The world’s best thrive when competing against one another, and our teams have established an exciting history,” USA Swimming president Tim Hinchey said in a statement.