Bond University continues to build its reputation as a hub for elite Ironmen and women with multi-sport teenage star Cyra Bender choosing the Bull Sharks over a full-ride US college scholarship.
Bender, a star rower and swimmer at St Hilda’s School and an Australian representative surf lifesaver, was offered a scholarship from UCLA to row in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 for the Bruins.
However, she elected to enrol in a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Bond University on a Sports Leadership Scholarship and continue training with Director of Swimming Kyle Samuelson’s surf squad.
“I did a lot of rowing at school and got the offer and I wasn’t sure - do I stay or do I go? It was a difficult decision because it was a great opportunity,” she said.
“But I think it came down to the fact I enjoy the surf sports more and I knew I would miss that if I left.
“So Bond was the best place for me to come. I know a lot of the girls here and it is a really nice community and very supportive in helping me pursue sports and academics and finding the right balance between the two.
“It has been a bit overwhelming but everyone involved in the elite sport program has been so welcoming and supportive and that has made the transition from high school a lot easier.”
The 19-year-old joins rising stars of the sport Claudia and Alyssa Bailey, Archie Vernon, Will Savage and Ruby Meehan at Bond.
The university can also count among its alumni a who’s who of ironman and women racing including Shannon Eckstein, Ky Hurst, Cory Taylor, Joe Collins and Harriett Brown.
Bender has already proven herself on the international stage as a member of the Australian junior team that won the World Championship in Italy in 2022.
She is a member of the all-star Northcliffe SLSC squad that is based out of Bond and includes Nutri Grain and Summer of Surf Series winner Lana Rogers and former champions Georgia Miller and Harriet Brown.
“I’d love to join them in the Nutri Grain series and make a few Australian teams,” she said.
“But I really just want to keep enjoying the sport and trying to improve every day.”
Samuelson said Bender was a valued and well-liked member of the Bond surf squad who constantly pushed the senior members in training.
“Cyra is a multi-talented athlete with abilities across many areas of sport,” he said.
“She has done a great job of balancing her academics and sport pursuits throughout Year 12.
“To put it simply, whenever Cyra gets in the water she can turn on the speed, posting some great times and challenging the senior athletes in the program.
“She has attention to detail and it’s no surprise she is a high achiever across everything she takes on.”