Bond University swim star Madeline Groves is living up to her reputation as the next 'Madame Butterfly', kicking off the new year by qualifying for the Australian team in the upcoming BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series in Perth.
The 19-year-old swimming sensation made waves during her Australian debut at last year's Aquatic Super Series by taking out the 200 metre Butterfly title, and will be defending her crown at this year's meet.
Madeline will be joining Olympic medallists James Magnussen, Cate Campbell and Emily Seebohm on the Australian team at the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series.
The achievement comes on the back of a successful year for Madeline, who also competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Pan Pacific Championships on the Gold Coast.
"Last year's Aquatic Super Series was the biggest meet I had competed in at that stage of my career and to win the 200 metre Butterfly was a huge achievement," said Madeline.
"Now that I have some other major competitions under my belt, including the Commonwealth Games, I'm really looking forward to defending my title as well as racing in other events."
Madeline was recently awarded the Georgina Hope Rinehart Swimming Excellence Scholarship to Bond University, an elite sporting scholarship that provides opportunities and support to young swimmers to complete their studies while competing at an elite level.
The scholarship also provides mentoring from Swimming Australia and Bond’s stable of Olympic swimming champions, along with tuition and living expenses, thanks to the financial support of the Georgina Hope Foundation.
The BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series will be held in Perth from January 30 to February 1, and you can follow Madeline's progress on Bond University Sport's Facebook page.
ENDS