Margaret River swimming sensation Ethan Buckland faces Olympic test

Margaret River-born swimmer Ethan Buckland has missed out on Olympic qualification but has vowed not to let the disappointment deter him.

The 20-year-old student faced his toughest challenge in the pool yet at the 2024 Australian Olympic Trials in Brisbane earlier this month.

Despite ranking among the country’s top athletes, he missed the cut for the Paris Olympics but said he now had the motivation to carry him through for preparations leading towards the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

“Olympic trials for me was allowing that seven-year-old self to get a little taste of his dream to go to the Olympics,” Buckland told the Times.

“I went to the nation’s biggest swimming competition as prepared and ready as I could and ultimately came up short, but am very proud of the efforts I have put in the last six months when I first qualified and I can’t wait for the next four years.

“These Olympic trials made me realise that no dream or goal is too small or unachievable,” he said.

“I cannot wait for the next chapter in my swimming career.”

Swimming at the elite level in a strong swimming country like Australia made facing hardship essential, but Buckland’s coach Jon Harrison said his young charge’s achievements could not be downplayed.

“Eighteen months ago, Ethan was trying to qualify for his first national age championships,” Harrison said.

“He never imagined himself going one step further, joining an elite group of the top 10 per cent of Australian swimmers qualifying for the Olympic trials.”

The process was also a crucial education for the young champion’s future, the coach said.

“The trials weres a whirlwind of emotions and experiences,” he said.

“Ethan saw athletes breaking world records and setting new standards.

“Despite the outcome not being what he had hoped for, he walked away with a newfound sense of purpose and determination.”

The young athlete’s admiring parents were effusive in their praise for their son’s dedication and poise in the face of the elite challenge.