World Aquatics, the international governing body of aquatic sports, has partnered with Bond University in Australia to establish a new development centre for swimmers from developing countries. The centre, located on the Gold Coast, will provide training and mentoring opportunities for athletes who aspire to compete at the highest level of swimming.
A new hub for swimming excellence
The World Aquatics Development Centre at Bond University will be the home of a swimming program that has produced world champions and Olympic medalists. The centre will offer scholarships for swimmers from various developing nations, especially from the Pacific Islands, to train under the guidance of head coach Chris Mooney. Mooney, who took over the program in the summer of 2021, has a track record of coaching swimmers to Olympic glory, such as Ariarne Titmus and Kaylee McKeown.
The centre will also provide access to world-class facilities and equipment, such as an Olympic-size swimming pool, an altitude and heat training chamber, hot and cold recovery plunge pools, and a high-performance training centre. The swimmers will also benefit from the academic and cultural environment of Bond University, which is ranked among the top 20 universities in the world by Times Higher Education.
A vision for the future of swimming
The partnership between World Aquatics and Bond University is part of a global initiative to promote swimming development and excellence in all regions of the world. World Aquatics now has established development centres in five continents, with three in Europe, two in North America, one in Asia and one in Africa.
The new centre at Bond University will focus on preparing swimmers for the upcoming major events, such as the Paris Olympics in 2024, the World Aquatics Championships, the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, and ultimately the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. Having the Olympics in their backyard in 2032 is expected to be a huge motivation for all Pacific nations and the development centre will ensure they can make the most of a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
A win-win situation for both parties
The partnership between World Aquatics and Bond University is not only beneficial for the swimmers from developing nations, but also for the university and the Australian swimming community. Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Tim Brailsford said he was proud to formalise the partnership with World Aquatics and welcomed the international swimmers to join their swimming program.
He said that the partnership would enhance the reputation and profile of Bond University as a world-class destination for swimming excellence and education. He also said that the partnership would foster cultural diversity and friendship among the swimmers and coaches.
Bond University Director of Swimming Kyle Samuelson said that the partnership would help unlock the potential of swimmers from developing nations who have raw talent but lack access to proper facilities and coaching. He said that he hoped that some of them would one day stand on the podium at a World Championships or Olympics.
World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam said that he was delighted to partner with Bond University and praised their swimming program and facilities. He said that he was confident that the new development centre would produce outstanding results and contribute to the growth and popularity of swimming around the world.