THE people who claim this year’s King and Queen of Sport crowns will have to fight off an impressive field.
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The event starts today with almost 50 people taking part in the annual event.
Defending King and Queen Andrew Marsh and Cathy Johnson, who also won the titles in 2010, are back.
But they’re not the only ones competing who have been given royal status before.
“Tim West is back after a few years away,” King and Queen of Sport publicity officer Adam Savage explained.
“He’s a previous King so he’s always competitive.”
Jackson Leckie has also worn the crown before and he’s lining up this year.
His missed last year’s event through injury but will be one to watch now he’s back.
Then there’s those who have gone close before.
Last year’s first-timer Will Carpenter finished equal second with Simon Wright.
“Simon Wright did well last year. He was equal second so he’ll be looking to go one better this year,” Savage said.
“It should make it a very interesting tussle.”
It is expected defending champion Johnson and former winner Nicole Williamson will battle for the Queen’s title but they might need to look over their shoulders.
Sarah Mycroft, who was the first woman to run around Australia in 2010, contested the King and Queen of Sport last year and will return for the 2012 event.
“She did very well last year and might be a dark horse,” Savage said.
Someone else to look out for is Lenny Punch who will this year contest his 24th consecutive King of Sport.
Punch holds the record for the most years competing.
“He’s what the Games are all about,” Savage said.
This year’s event will be contested by 28 men and 21 women.
In today’s first events, competitors will head to Lake Canobolas for a commando course followed by a teams mystery event, canoeing and then an individual mystery event to round things out.
Tomorrow will start with athletics at Kinross Wolaroi School and be followed by swimming and then a mountain bikes time trial at Kinross Forest.
The event will run from November 17-24.