by Bonnie Hancock
James Biddington may compete in the backstroke, but his life is more comparable to the medley – an event of mixed disciplines which requires dedication and all-round excellence to succeed.
The 18-year-old, who began studying at Bond in January after securing the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship for his academic prowess, is also an advanced trumpet player and can now add national medallist swimmer to his resume after a breakthrough performance at the Australian Age Championships.
Powering to bronze in the 18 years 50-metre backstroke, the Bachelor of Policy, Philosophy and Economics/Bachelor of Laws student says that rather than detract, his various commitments complement each other.
“Throughout school, my three big pillars were music, academics and swimming, and I learnt that they aren’t separate from each other,” Biddington said.
“In swimming, you need the discipline to stick to a routine and be structured if you want to get results, which is the same in academics and music.
“In all three areas, if you put the time in and practice your skills over and over again, you’re going to get better, and I really feel learning that has set me up for success.”
The former Canberra local says the warmer Queensland weather has provided a catalyst for his rise to one the most promising talents in the country.
“The conditions you train in make such an obvious and tangible difference,” he said.
“Training outdoors with the clearest skies and the nicest sunrises means everyone is always in a good mood and so happy to be there.”
The backstroker is also relishing the opportunity to train in a squad of world class athletes.
“If an Australian finalist popped in to do a session with us at Canberra, I was like ‘oh, I have to get a photo with them,’ and would ask them all about their training regime,” he said.
“At Bond, I’m exposed to three or four Australian Olympians plus World Aquatic Olympians every day and it’s normalised to be professional and have so much aptitude within the sport.
“All of a sudden, everyone around me is taking it seriously, and I’ve realised if I can model myself on what the Olympians are doing, then I might have a shot one day too.”
Biddington’s next challenge is the Sydney Open, which doubles as the UniSport Nationals, where the Bull Sharks have been the reigning champions since 2022.
The event will serve as a dress rehearsal for the Commonwealth Games trials in June, where Biddington will lean on the experience of competing in last year’s Olympic trials to produce his best performance in his pet 50-metre and 100-metre backstroke events.
“The UniSport Nationals is an event with less pressure and more fun, but we are still really keen to bring home the trophy,” he said.
“The Olympic and Commonwealth Games trials are different though - everyone is so focused, there’s just so much tension.
“There’s a lot of anticipation around trials, particularly as we build into LA 2028 – the atmosphere is going to be insane.”