An indomitable veteran mounting an Olympic comeback. A world champion realising his long-awaited debut. Plus a teen prodigy bursting onto the scene. This talented trio of swimmers from Kenmore made a great showing at the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials and are now looking forward to making a splash at the Olympics.
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Bronte Campbell: in pursuit of a fourth Olympic Games
Kenmore State High School alumna Bronte Campbell, 30, defies the odds as she secures her spot on the Australian Olympic team for a fourth time. After taking an 18-month break from the sport following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the seasoned swimmer returns to the pool, driven by a burning curiosity to see what she can achieve once more.
Campbell’s hiatus allowed her to experience life beyond the pool, working a 9–5 job in business consulting and exploring other ventures, including television appearances and launching her own swim gear range. However, the lure of competition proved too strong — she found herself drawn back to the familiar thrill of standing on the blocks, ready to test her limits once again.
Her journey has not been without challenges, as injuries plagued her during the break. Nevertheless, Campbell’s determination shines through, as she secures her place in Paris as a relay swimmer by finishing fourth in the 100m freestyle final at the Olympic trials in Brisbane.
Jack Cartwright: long awaited Olympic debut
For Kenmore’s Jack Cartwright, 25, his path to the Olympic stage is a testament to the sacrifices made by his family and the unwavering pursuit of his dreams. His rise began at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in 2016, where he captured six medals, including four golds.
His international breakthrough came a year later at the 2017 World Championships, where he made the final in the 100m freestyle at just 18 years old. Since then, Cartwright has continued to accumulate hardware, including silvers at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships and relay golds at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships.
At the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials, Cartwright secured his place on the Paris team, finishing fourth in the 100m freestyle to claim the final relay spot, marking his long-awaited Olympic debut.
Jaclyn Barclay: rising star secures debut at 17
Fig Tree Pocket’s Jaclyn Barclay, 17, secured an early Olympic debut in the women’s 200m backstroke at the Trials. Competing against seasoned athletes like Emily Seebohm, who fell short in her bid for a fifth Olympic appearance, Barclay’s second-place finish left her in disbelief and elation.
“To be able to race these girls is incredible, and to achieve any athlete’s dream to make the Olympics, I’m still in a bit of shock, to be honest,” Barclay expressed. “It was incredible to touch the wall and see I was second. I couldn’t believe it. I was really happy with my time, as well.”
Barclay’s journey to the Olympic stage at such a tender age foreshadows an exciting future for the young athlete on the international stage.
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As Paris draws near, Kenmore takes pride in the accomplishments of these local heroes, whose dedication, perseverance, and unwavering pursuit of excellence have earned them a place among the best swimmers in the country.
Published 18-June-2024
