Bond swim squad members dominated this year’s Coolangatta Gold but it was Sports Management student Archie Vernon who made the biggest splash with a breakthrough podium finish.
Mainstays of Director of Swimming Kyle Samuelson’s surf squad, Ali Day and Lana Rogers, were victorious in the long course event, widely regarded as the world’s premier endurance race.
Vernon claimed his first medal at a national event with a bronze in the 21km short course, which featured a 10.5km surf ski paddle, 2km swim, 3km board paddle and a 5.5km run.
In a race that came right down to the wire, the Bachelor of Sports Management student completed the course in 2:15:19, a mere 1.18 seconds behind silver.
The iconic event is the first major stop on the Ironman season calendar and attracts athletes from Australia and beyond.
Members of the Bond swimming squad also made an exceptional showing in the 42km long course events.
Day, the undisputed king of the event, claimed his ninth title while Rogers claimed her second with teammate Lucy Derbyshire finishing third.
“The whole surf squad put in some really strong training in the lead-up to this event,” Samuelson said.
“It’s certainly been a long few months for them so it’s great that they’ve been able to reap some rewards.”
Moving on from the Coolangatta Gold, Bond’s swimmers will be looking towards the 2023 Nutri-Grain Ironman Series and for Vernon, the upcoming trials.
The Nutri-Grain Series has been his lifelong dream and his recent success represents a significant step towards achieving it.
“This was actually the first time I’ve medalled individually at a national level so it’s a nice confidence bump heading into next month’s trials,” Vernon said.
“Making the Ironman Series has been my goal since I was six years old, and it was also one of the reasons I chose to move to the Gold Coast.”
Vernon relocated from Torquay, Victoria in 2021 and this year will mark his third year competing in the trials.
“In comparison to previous years I feel like I’ve matured a bit, particularly with my training,” he said.
“I think I’m definitely more dialled in mentally and physically so I’m hoping I can put together a strong result.”
the Surfers Paradise SLSC member puts himself through an average of 15 training sessions per week.
“Between swimming each morning, ocean-based board or ski training every night, plus running or gym throughout the day, I usually end up doing three sessions a day,” he said.
“It’s definitely been a lot of sacrifice and hard work, particularly during the winter months, but I’m so happy to have seen some results now and I’m hoping that I can continue this momentum into the upcoming season.”