Griffith University is once again making waves in Australian sport, with five student-athletes from its elite swim squad awarded prestigious Swimming Australia Scholarships to help propel their academic and athletic journeys.
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The scholarships—each worth $5,000—are designed to support swimmers through the critical phase between junior competition and senior elite levels, a time when athletes aim to qualify for the national Dolphins team.
This stage of development is widely regarded as pivotal, and for these Griffith students, it marks a fresh push towards competing on the world stage, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Among the recipients are standout performers from diverse academic backgrounds. Bachelor of Education student Phoebe Bentley, known for her strong backstroke performances, combines her training with a future in teaching. Business student Thomas Booth, who has consistently delivered in freestyle events, balances pool sessions with case studies and lectures.
Psychological Science student Haig Buckingham brings discipline both in and out of the water, while Communication student Sienna Harben showcases her sprinting prowess and media savvy. Completing the lineup is Thomas Nankervis, studying Clinical Exercise Physiology, whose analytical approach extends from biomechanics to race strategy.
All five are integral members of the Griffith Swim Squad, training under the watchful eye of renowned coaches Mel Marshall, Janelle Pallister, and Tom Fraser-Holmes. Their leadership provides a high-performance environment that is producing some of Australia’s most promising aquatic talent.
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The scholarships are part of a renewed four-year partnership between Griffith University and Swimming Australia, a joint initiative that underscores both institutions’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of elite swimmers. With LA 2028 on the horizon, this investment in emerging talent is a powerful signal of Australia’s long-term ambitions in the pool.
For these young athletes, the recognition is not just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in their potential to represent their country on the biggest sporting stage of all.
Published 10-May-2025