At 25, Zac Stubblety-Cook from Nathan is poised to make another splash on the global stage as he prepares for his second Olympic appearance at the Paris 2024 Games.
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The champion swimmer, who trains under the guidance of coach Vince Raleigh, has already etched his name in swimming history as an Olympic, World, and Commonwealth champion.
Stubblety-Cook’s journey began humbly at the Water Ratz learn-to-swim program in Wellers Hill. Little did anyone know that those early strokes would lead to Olympic gold. His rise through the ranks was meteoric, making his Dolphins debut at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics marked Stubblety-Cook’s arrival as a swimming superstar. In a performance that echoed Ian O’Brien’s 1964 triumph, he clinched gold in the 200m breaststroke with an Olympic record time of 2:06.38. This victory was particularly sweet as it was Australia’s sole swimming gold in the men’s events at those Games. He didn’t stop there, adding a bronze medal in the debut of the mixed 4x100m medley relay.
Stubblety-Cook was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Australia Day Honours for his service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, further cementing his status as one of Australia’s swimming elite.
Now, with Paris 2024 on the horizon, Stubblety-Cook is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation. He secured his spot on the Australian team by winning the 200m breaststroke at the Olympic trials in Brisbane. This followed his double victory in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events at the 2024 Australian championships on the Gold Coast, demonstrating his excellent form leading into the Olympics.
Training out of the Chandler Aquatic Centre, Stubblety-Cook balances his rigorous swimming schedule with academic pursuits. He’s currently working towards a double degree in psychological science and business at Griffith University, showcasing his commitment to personal growth both in and out of the pool.
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As the swimming world turns its eyes to Paris, Stubblety-Cook carries the hopes of a nation. With his track record of success and dedication to his craft, he’s not just aiming to participate – he’s gunning for gold. The next chapter in this remarkable swimmer’s story is about to unfold, and the world will be watching.
Published 8-July-2024