UQ Sport Aquatic Centre re-opens

The official re-opening of the UQ Sport Aquatic Centre and David Theile Pool was celebrated with a big splash early this morning.

The UQ Sport Aquatic Centre at The University of Queensland was swamped by the Brisbane flood in January 2011 and suffered extensive damage to its infrastructure.

The University decided to upgrade the whole facility, so now swimmers can enjoy the new pool with brand new water filtration system, which has been installed above the flood level, new shade covered areas, and new change rooms, café seating and retail area.

UQ Sport Executive Director, Bryan Pryde, said UQ Sport, which was celebrating its 101th year in operation, decided to mark the pool re-opening with a special event.

“To celebrate this wonderful moment in our 101st year, UQ Sport decided to hold ‘The Big Splash’, where 101 lucky people were the first to jump in the new pool, at the same time,” Mr Pryde said.

“Judging by the number of enquiries we’ve had, we know many people will be pleased to hear the news that the pool is open again,” he said.

The UQ Aquatic Centre will be open and available for “business as usual” as of 5am Monday, 6 February 2012.

It will be operating on the summer timetable, for more information and opening hours check the Aquatic Centre webpage.

David Theile Olympic Pool background
The David Theile Olympic Pool is named after Dr David Theile, the first Olympic gold medallist from The University of Queensland, who won gold medals for the 100 metres backstroke event at the Olympic Games in Melbourne in 1956 and Rome in 1960. He was the first man to win backstroke events at two Olympics in succession. Dr Theile (Senior) graduated MBBS with Honours from The University of Queensland in 1962, and has had a long and distinguished career in clinical practice, culminating in his appointment as Metropolitan South District Chief Executive Officer in 2008.