Talented youngster Ingrid Blandford is excited about what her future holds with the academy, as she aims to become SWAS’ latest success story in the pool.

“This is my first year in SWAS,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to meet more like-minded people, who are really serious about their sport.

“Within the next six to 12 months, the biggest competition I’ve got is the State long course championships meet, which will be held in December.
“From there, I’ll go on to nationals next April.”

A member of the Bunbury Swimming Club, Ingrid is no stranger to success at representative level. At the 2023 Hancock Prospecting WA Short Course championships in August, the 16-year-old broke four freestyle club records, ranging from 50m to 800m, along with securing multiple victories. While hopeful of one day making an Australian team and putting it all on the line for a Commonwealth or Olympic games medal, Ingrid is hopeful more athletes keen to take the next step in their career consider becoming a part of SWAS.

“It’s a great opportunity and take what you get in Bunbury, because it’s very valuable,” she said.

Photograph: JLG Photographics

Written By: Justin Fris