Four SA-based swimmers set to represent Australia at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

TRAVIS Mahoney says relocating to Adelaide has given him the belief to swim for a maiden Commonwealth Games medal on the Gold Coast, after joining three other SA-based athletes on the Australian team.

SA-based swimmer Travis Mahoney during the 400m individual medley final at the Commonwealth Games trials on the Gold Coast. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

TRAVIS Mahoney says relocating to Adelaide has given him the belief to swim for a maiden Commonwealth Games medal on the Gold Coast.

The Victorian was one of four SA-based athletes named in the 70-person team for next month’s Games following the weekend’s national trials.

Mahoney’s selection came 15 months after he crossed the border to join coach Peter Bishop’s blossoming Marion Swimming Club stable.

He said the move had taken his form and confidence to new heights as he eyed a spot on the Gold Coast dais.

“That’s been my goal since I moved there (Adelaide), so I definitely want to step up and win a medal,” Mahoney, 27, said.

“Adelaide for me is the perfect set-up – we have the best pool in Australia, our own gym, our own physio rooms and everything is all in one spot.

“I get to train with some world class athletes every day and you can push each other and really set standards.

“I certainly cherish every time I get to represent this country and I can’t wait to race a home Commonwealth Games. It’s what you dream of as a kid.”

Mahoney hoped to feature in the 200m and 400m individual medley at the Games after finishing third in both events at the trials.

He was joined in the Australian team by Marion club mate and reigning Olympic 100m freestyle champion Kyle Chalmers.

Evanston Park-based Starplex breaststroker James McKechnie and para-athlete Jesse Aungles rounded out the SA contingent bound for the Gold Coast.

Bishop will also travel to the Games as part of the host country’s coaching panel.

“I was pleased with my 200 IM (at the trials), that was really, really close to my best,” two-time world shortcourse relay medallist Mahoney said.

“My 400 I was a bit disappointed with and I definitely think there’s some things we can improve on over the next five weeks.

“But I like high pressure situations and I’ve got all my PBs at international meets.

“Thankfully I get another opportunity to go out and prove I can do a lot better than that (on the Gold Coast).

“I’ll also have 10,000 Australians fans screaming for me.”

The 191cm late bloomer first represented Australia in a 2012 World Cup meeting in Beijing.

Mahoney was seventh in the 400m IM final in his Olympic debut in Rio four years later, before moving to SA when his Nunawading coach, Rohan Taylor, stepped down from the role.

“I wanted to go somewhere that was high performance and Adelaide was definitely that for me,” said Mahoney, sixth in the 400m IM at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

“I had worked with Peter Bishop previously on a team and I had a good relationship with him.

“I’ve been working very hard to achieve this and I back myself in.”