URGENT UPDATE: Dual Olympic medallist Tasmin Cook will inspire Bendigo’s young swimmers this Saturday, December 6, as she joins the Project Velocity squad at the Bendigo East Swimming Pool. This exclusive coaching session is set to elevate the ambitions of local athletes just ahead of the Victorian State Age Championships.
Cook, who captured silver in the women’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay at the 2016 Rio Olympics and bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “I’m really excited to be coming to Bendigo and working with the Project Velocity squad,” said Cook. “Sharing my journey and helping young swimmers push their limits is something I’m passionate about.”
The Project Velocity initiative, a three-month program aimed at developing swimming talents across central Victoria, is spearheaded by Josh Beaver, a fellow Olympian and four-time Commonwealth Games medallist. “Being part of Project Velocity has been incredibly rewarding,” Beaver noted. “The squad is showing great commitment, and having Tamsin join us will only elevate the energy and learning.”
Up to 40 swimmers from various clubs, including Bendigo East, Bendigo Hawks, and Kangaroo Flat, will participate in this transformative session. Adam Webb, president of Swimming Bendigo, emphasized the importance of such opportunities: “For our Velocity squad swimmers to have access to legends of the sport in both Josh Beaver and Tamsin Cook is a huge boost for country swimming.”
Meanwhile, a trio of coaches from Bendigo East, including John Jordan, Cameron Jordan, and Henry Allan, are currently overseas as part of Swimming Victoria’s USA Open Tour. This significant event, which began on December 3, aims to expose Victoria’s top athletes to world-class competition. “The depth of competition in Austin will be outstanding with the world’s best swimmers attending,” said performance coordinator Bowen Gough.
The excitement surrounding Cook’s involvement and the ongoing developments in the swimming community highlight the growing opportunities for young athletes in regional Australia. The session promises to be a pivotal moment for the Project Velocity squad as they prepare for their upcoming championships.
Stay tuned for more updates as this inspiring event unfolds!
