Fairymead to Tokyo: Isaac Cooper secures spot on Aussie Olympic swim team

Coach Damien Jones said in the lead up to the trials they told him “to go out there and enjoy the moment and do what he loves to do, which is race”.

OLYMPICS BOUND: Bundaberg's Isaac Cooper is heading to the Tokyo Olympics 2021 as part of the Australian Olympic Swimming Team. Photos: Action shots by Mark Brake/Getty Images. Poolside photo contributed by Rackley Swim Team.

From Fairymead to Tokyo, Bundaberg’s Isaac Cooper will don green and gold in Japan after scoring himself a spot on the Australian Olympic swimming team.

Just 17-years-old, Cooper is among a team of 35 swimmers selected to represent Australia in the pool.

Speaking to the NewsMail, Cooper said he felt numb and the news still felt surreal.

Having been swimming since he was five-months-old and competitively since he was five-years-old, getting a chance to represent Australia at the Olympics has always been his goal.

He said there was never a doubt in his mind that one day he would compete at the Olympics, but that day did come sooner than expected.

And his family was poolside to celebrate with him.

Cooper said he’d be swimming the 100m backstroke in the relay event.

Isaac Cooper has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

In the lead up to the trials he was training for nearly 40 hours a week, which included eight swim sessions, gym sessions and physio.

While he’s on the team, training is expected to remain the same and he’ll be back in the pool come Monday morning.

While he’s been unwavering in his dedication to the sport, Cooper said he was going into the trials for the experience as this was his second open meet.

And it wasn’t until 15 minutes before they were calling his name that he’d heard he made the team via text.

He said it was a shock to look at his phone and see the text message which made his dream a reality.

Cooper was at the trials with Rackley Centenary team, having joined them about five months ago.

Coach Damien Jones said in the lead up to the trials they told him “to go out there and enjoy the moment and do what he loves to do, which is race”.

OLYMPICS BOUND: Coach Damien Jones, Issac Cooper, Coach Tim Dilger and Tom Neill.

“The focus now is on getting back into training and putting Isaac and Tom in the best position to swim at their best in Tokyo,” he said.

Club president Reece Rackley said the whole team was over the moon for Issac and fellow Rackley Centenary Swimmer Tom Neill, “it‘s a real team effort and to see them do so well at their first Olympic Trials is exciting”.

Before joining the Rackley Centenary team and coach Damien Jones in January 2021 when he moved to Brisbane for University, Cooper swam with the Toowoomba Grammar School for two years, after his time at Fairymead.

Cooper said since the news broke of his selection he’d received hundreds of messages of support from Bundaberg and appreciated them all.

He thanked all of his family, swimming family and friends for their support.

The Bundaberg Swim Academy took to social media to congratulate the local athlete.

“Your dreams have come true,” the post read.

“We couldn’t be more proud of someone who has dedicated so much of his time and effort into swimming over many years and you’re only 17!

“Can’t wait to see you on the blocks in Tokyo!”

Bundaberg Regional Council Division 7 councillor Vince Habermann also congratulated Cooper on his selection on social media.

“A huge congratulations to Bundaberg’s Isaac Cooper who has just been named in the Australian Swimming Team for the Tokyo Olympics after the conclusion of the team trials in Adelaide tonight,” the post read.

“The 17-year-old has again proven what can be achieved through hard work and dedication over many years since starting at Fairymead Swimming Club under coaches Paul Simms and Scott Hamlet with the constant outstanding support of his parents Alan and Kathryn.

“Isaac is a real inspiration and a wonderful role model for all.”

Toowoomba Grammar School’s director of sport and activities Steven Fryer said they were “over the moon” to hear about Cooper’s success.

During Cooper’s time at the TGS Swim School Mr Fryer said he proved to be a very strong swimmer who was dedicated to his training.

Mr Fryer believes Cooper is the first swimming Olympian from the TGS Swim Club.

Swimming events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics are set to take place from July 24 to August 1 at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.