Bond University underscores reputation as an Iron Series breeding ground

A stellar performance in last weekend’s trials earned Will Savage a ticket to an official rookie year on the Nutri-Grain Ironman Series. 

Athletes took to the water at Tugun Beach over the weekend to battle it out for their place.

After six gruelling races against 109 contestants, Savage – a Bachelor of Commerce student -claimed 3^rd spot and a start in the 2023/24 competition. 

Despite narrowly missing out in last year’s trials, Savage gained a leg up at the beginning of this year as an injury replacement for fellow Bond swim squad member Ali Day.  

Competing alongside Savage will be nine past and present Bondies. 

Alumni Joe Collins and Cory Taylor will be familiar faces. So too Bond Bachelor of Health Sciences student Ruby Meehan who earned her place after winning the Nutri-Grain Next Gen Championships. 

In addition to Bond’s student athletes, the Bond University Swimming program will again be significantly represented. 

Emily Doyle will be back after she re-qualified with her 6^th place overall. 

“It’s great to see Emily and so many of our athletes earn and hold their places on this year’s Iron Series,” says Bond’s Director of Swimming, Kyle Samuelson. 

“We’ve had a number of Iron athletes come through our program now and it’s great that we’re becoming recognised not only as a great swimming university but also for success in Bond Swimming Program was well represented last year too.

 Georgia Miller won the overall Ironwoman Series while Lucy Derbyshire wasn’t too far off the mark in 4^th. Lana Rogers came in 6^th, Hannah Sculley in 10^th and Naomi Scott claimed 11^th. Ironwoman veteran Harriet Brown placed 15^th despite being out with injury for the majority of the season. 

Finn Askew came 5^th in the Ironman, and despite missing the last two rounds due to injury, Ali Day – a giant in the sport -  still managed a creditable 7^th.