Skip to main content
Start of main content.

Bond's Olympic countdown: Elijah Winnington

Bachelor of Business student Elijah Winnington is going for gold at the Tokyo Olympics. PICTURE: Cavan Flynn

Elijah Winnington is ready to take on the world.

The 21-year-old has been a phenomenon in the pool since he was eight-years-old, claiming a staggering 30 national age group titles.

The Bond University Bachelor of Business student put an emphatic exclamation mark on his underage career by breaking the junior 200 metre freestyle world record at the Queensland state titles.

But it was his performance at the Olympic trials, where he claimed the 400 metres title in the world’s fastest time this year, that rocketed him to public consciousness.

It was the ninth-fastest time in history and he defeated defending Olympic champion Mack Horton in the process.  

“The Tokyo Olympics is the biggest goal of all. To represent Australia means everything to me,” Winnington said.

The talent from an early age has always been there, but the drive to succeed is what makes Winnington one of the most exciting Olympic prospects in the country.

The Georgina Hope Rinehart Swimming Excellence Scholarship student got a taste of representing Australia at senior competition when he won Commonwealth Games gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

“He had a lot of enthusiasm and a really big heart,” former Bond University head swimming coach Richard Scarce said of his first meeting with Winnington.

“He was prepared to work hard even from a young age. He’s always been a great racer and keen to compete.

“You could never question his commitment or dedication.

“He is one of the most determined and one of my very best swimmers I’ve ever had. He’ll race his heart out for Australia.”

Elijah Winnington (Georgina Hope Rinehart Swimming Excellence Scholarship student)

Swimming: 400m and 200m freestyle and 4x200m relay

400m heats: Saturday, July 24, Tokyo Aquatics Centre

Final: Sunday, July 25

200m heats: Sunday, July 25

Semis: Monday, July 26

Final: Tuesday, July 27

4x200m relay heats: Tuesday, July 27

Final: Wednesday, July 28

More from Bond

  • Trust in politics at record lows: survey

    As Australians go to the polls, their level of trust in the politicians and parties they’ll be voting for is at record lows

    Read article
  • The heavy lifter: How Francis balances elite sport and a global cause

    Judo one week, weightlifting the next. It's a busy life for PhD student Kelsey Francis.

    Read article
  • Bond leads Australia in training future GPs

    A higher percentage of graduates from Bond University’s Medical Program pursue careers as GPs than graduates from any other Australian medical school.

    Read article
  • AI to speed up mental health care in emergency departments

    Data scientists are developing an artificial intelligence model to fast-track treatment for at-risk mental health patients.

    Read article
  • New data model to combat money laundering

    It’s a faster, more accurate way to uncover illicit shell companies.

    Read article
Previous Next
1 of 5