Bond Uni will train swimmers from developing countries for Olympics
In a new initiative, Bond University will train swimmers from developing countries to compete at Olympic level.
Bond University has partnered with the world peak body for swimming to set up a development centre focused on preparing athletes from developing nations for high level competition.
The new World Aquatics Development Centre will use the facilities at Bond to develop talented swimmers who don’t have access to training facilities in their home countries. They will have the opportunity to train under Bond’s head swimming coach Chris Mooney.
Swimmers from the Pacific Islands will particularly benefit from the new centre and Mr Mooney said he would initially prepare them for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Beyond that we’ll be working towards World Aquatics Championships, Los Angeles 2028 and ultimately the Brisbane Games,” he said.
“Having the Olympics in their backyard in 2032 is going to be huge for all Pacific nations and the development centre will ensure they can make the most of a once in a generation opportunity.”
The centre is being established in partnership with World Aquatics, formerly known at FINA, which is the global governing body for aquatic sport. World Aquatics will nominate athletes to participate in the development program in consultation with their national federations.
Bond University swimming director Kyle Samuelson said the new centre would help unlock the potential of swimmers from developing nations.
“The raw talent is undoubtably out there but if you don’t have access to an Olympic-size swimming pool, never mind the coaching expertise, it’s incredibly difficult to reach the elite level,” Samuelson said.
Bond University vice-chancellor Tim Brailsford said the university was humbled that the peak body for world swimming has chosen to partner with it.
“We look forward to welcoming many international swimmers from around the globe and assisting them to realise their Olympic dream while cementing lifelong friendships with our swimmers and coaches,” he said.
Bond University’s World Aquatics Development Centre will be the eighth to be established around the world to help train swimmers from developing countries. There are also three in Europe, two in North America, one in Asia and one in Africa.
Bond University students were among Australia’s medal winners in swimming at the last Olympics in 2021.
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