By Alexandra Fairfield-Smith
If further proof is needed that Bond has the best university swimming program in the country, the Bull Sharks will be chasing a fifth consecutive UniSport swimming nationals overall title at Sydney Olympic Pool this weekend.
Held as part of Swimming NSW’s Sydney Open, the event sees university swimmers from across the country unite for one of the final major meets before next month’s Commonwealth Games Trials.
For Bond University director of swimming, Kyle Samuelson, the competition is about more than individual results.
With athletes spread across multiple training squads throughout the year, UniSport Nationals offers a rare opportunity for the Bull Sharks to compete in the same place at the same time.
“It’s one of the only meets where we can bring all of our student-athletes together as one team,” Kyle Samuelson said.
“We have athletes across different squads, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to show the depth of the club and the depth of the program.”
Leading the charge for Bond will be butterfly star Ben Armbruster, freestyle standout Hannah Casey and breaststroker Josh Collett, with all three expected to play key roles in the relay events.
Hancock Prospecting Swimming Excellence Scholars Ainsley Trotter and Campbell Wilson-Moran will also headline the squad. Wilson-Moran is set to contest freestyle events, while Trotter will line up in the backstroke.
The meet will serve as the final competitive hit-out before June’s Commonwealth Games Trials, giving swimmers one last opportunity to sharpen race plans and fine-tune preparations.
“It’s our last hit-out before trials,” he said.
“All we really want them to do at this meet is put their best foot forward, race well as a team and get any last pieces of information or work-ons we need before trials in June.”
Samuelson believes the relay environment could bring out the best in Bond’s wider squad, with close races often lifting performances to another level.
“Particularly in the relays, everyone seems to find another level,” he said.
“A lot of those relay races get really close, so it brings even more out of each athlete.”
Bond’s team will be led in Sydney by Head Coach Chris Mooney and Coach Zander Hey, who will travel directly from the Oceania Championships, as the Bull Sharks look to build momentum heading into the national trials season.