Margaret River swimmer Ethan Buckland poised for Olympic qualification

Margaret River swimming prodigy Ethan Buckland is poised to shoot for his chance at Olympic gold.

The 20-year-old Margaret River Senior High School graduate will face the toughest test of his swimming career midyear when he faces pre-Olympic qualifiers in June.

Ethan started swimming at 13 and represented his school at the nationals in Melbourne as a 15-year-old, thereafter ramping up his training in Busselton.

While studying sports business and management, Ethan moved to the city swimming with Westside Christchurch under coach Jon Harrison to further his Olympic ambitions.

Ethan’s coach said his young charge had performed well among the many hopefuls striving to represent their country on the world stage.

His grit and determination showed through in what Harrison described as a “coveted” qualifying time at last year’s Australian Short Course National Championships that also saw him qualify for two breaststroke finals on the first attempt.

“Ethan’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and an indomitable spirit to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals,” the coach said.

Ethan was currently undergoing gruelling training for the Australian Open Nationals on the Gold Coast in April.

“Every kid has a dream of going to the Olympics and ultimately just the fact that I have been recognised by Swimming Australia to have a chance to make that dream come true is a triumph and success in itself,” Ethan said.

“The hours that not only I, but also my mum and dad, coaches and others, spent at the pool, driving and taking care of my mind and body have finally paid off.

“I am just excited for the experience really: to learn and continue growing towards the next step and next goal amongst the best of the best.”

MRSHS senior teacher and proud parent Chris Buckland told the Times he and wife Sue were thrilled to see their son within striking distance of his ultimate dream.

“Ethan has a great relationship with his coach and still great support from his previous Busselton coach Andrew Sexton,” Mr Buckland said.

“To work so hard towards an Olympic dream and now be one step away is huge.

“Sue and I are heading over to Brisbane for the Olympic trials with him and are so excited to see how he goes against Australia and some of the world’s best swimming athletes.”

Ethan was buoyed by his 2023 results that include gold and bronze short course medals as well as national 18th ranking for 50m and 100m breaststroke as well as qualifying time for the 50m butterfly.