Beware Singapore, the Bull Sharks are coming in hot.
Five Bondies - Dolphins debutants Hannah Casey and Jesse Coleman, two time Olympic medallist Flynn Southam, rising sprinter Milla Jansen and coach Chris Mooney are on the Australian team for the Swimming World Championships in Singapore starting on Sunday.
Another 10 Bond-based athletes on World Aquatics Scholarships will compete for their home nations under the guidance of Bond’s Director of Swimming Kyle Samuelson.
Before touching down in Singapore, the Aussie squad warmed up — literally — with a high-intensity training camp in Darwin, using the Top End heat as preparation for racing in the tropical conditions of Southeast Asia.
For Hancock Prospecting Swimming Excellence Scholarship recipients Casey and Coleman, it was their final chance to soak in the atmosphere before stepping onto the world stage for the first time in green and gold.
“Training camp was so good and super fun,” said Casey. “It was a great chance to meet new people ahead of World Champs.
“The weather has been a bonus — it’s a lot easier to go from 30-degree Darwin weather to Singapore weather than from the current weather on the Gold Coast!”
Coleman echoed the sentiment.
“The camp’s gone pretty well,” he said. “We’ve had a great time, and it’s been nice to bond with the team. I’m excited to race and just get out there.”
Bond University head coach Chris Mooney said the camp has set the tone for a strong performance in Singapore.
“It’s been an awesome environment — great dynamic, energy and support,” he said. “Swimmers will be doing their main sets and everyone is just cheering, it’s a great atmosphere to achieve some amazing performances.
“Having the Dolphins united really lifts everyone.”
The Dolphins also took time out to lend a hand with Hoops 4 Health, a First Nations-led mental health initiative that uses basketball as a vehicle to empower and educate young people across the Northern Territory.
According to Mooney it was a chance to reset, give back, and connect before competition begins.
There will be a Bull Sharks reunion of sorts in Singapore when Samuelson and his 10 Bond-based international swimmers arrive.
“They will all be competing for their own countries with pride, but they will also be representing Bond University and the Bull Sharks,” he said.
“The scholarships provide great opportunities for these swimmers with the access to facilities and a level of coaching detail they don’t find in their own countries.
“But they have also added to our program, they have formed great relationships with our domestic swimmers and are valued members of our team.’’