Bond project helps expand talent pool
SOME of the world’s best swimmers have called Bond University home and the campus is set to strengthen its position as a national powerhouse with the development of a new aquatic centre.
The multimillion-dollar state-of-the-art facility to be officially opened in May will boast a FINA-ratified 10-lane 25m pool.
“The original pool was almost 30 years old, it was time to update and refresh,” Bond University vice chancellor and president Tim Brailsford said.
“We’ve taken the opportunity to install an international FINA-standard competition pool, which will complement the existing pool and create an aquatic centre that the Gold Coast can be really proud of.
“Combined with our world-class sport centre and the Institute of Health and Sport at Robina, the facilities will be able to lay claim to be among the best in the nation.”
With names like Grant Hackett, Giaan Rooney, Melanie Wright (nee Schlanger) and Madeline Groves, Bond University has a proud history of nurturing world-class swimmers.
The new facility will accommodate bigger squad sizes and increase Bond’s sport program, while also helping attract prestigious swimming competitions to the Gold Coast.
Bond University director of swimming Kyle Samuelson said it was exciting to see the construction going up.
“We have a rich history of high quality swimmers coming through the university and we are adding to that every year,” he said.
“We feel strongly about creating a pathway from junior swimmer to the elite level and having the additional pool will contribute heavily to this strategy.
“We have a boutique surf squad as well with athletes like Ali Day, Georgia Miller, Harriet Brown and Courtney Hancock.
“They train in our pool in the mornings with our assistant swim coach Brett Carter.”
The new pool will house other Bond Uni clubs such as water polo and triathlon.”
The new aquatics centre will be available for use by students allowing them to exercise and some downtime between their studies.