This year at UniSport Nationals a team of 10 Monash swimmers headed to Perth to compete against athletes from around Australia, bringing home medals and countless memories.

Over the course of Nationals our athletes charged through the pool to secure the best results possible and they did not disappoint, bringing home one gold medal, two silver medals and two bronze medals. Bringing the Monash Swim team to an overall 3rd place finish. 

Two stand-out athletes who represented Monash were Flynn Phillips and Olivia Lefoe, who despite it being their first time competing at UniNationals, were not in fact, fish out of water. Flynn secured himself a gold medal in the 800 m Freestyle and Olivia won two silver medals in the 50 m and 100 m backstroke. 

We caught up with Flynn and Olivia to hear about their experiences at Nationals.

How would you sum up your UniSport Nationals experience?

Flynn: Nationals was better than I could have imagined, there was tons of bonding and it was great to be a part of a team when swimming is often a very individual sport.

Olivia: It was a really good team environment with Monash. We all bonded really well and I’ve made friends with some of the girls that I know I’ll be friends with for a long time.

Was this your first time swimming for Monash?

Flynn: Yes, I wasn’t aware the event was happening until the captain reached out as we are both part of ESPS here at Monash. 

Olivia: Yep, it was my first time.

What was the highlight of your trip?

Flynn: Post race swims at Scarborough beach with the rest of the team. By the end of nationals we had swimmers from all of the Victorian universities coming to the beach with us. 

Olivia: I was pretty happy with my silver medals as the gold medalist was a world record holder so I’m pretty proud of my result.

What was your training regime leading up to Nationals?

Flynn: I am currently in the middle of a big training block, and I’m getting ready for some longer races this winter and also the Victorian Open Water season later.

Olivia: As a full time swimmer, I do nine two hour pool sessions, three one to two gym sessions and two pilates classes a week.

What would you say to someone who was thinking of competing at nationals but wasn’t 100% sure?

Olivia: I would say you will regret it if you don’t go. All the friendships you're going to make, you’re gonna have fun with the competition and everyone will be behind you cheering on.

There were also some incredible achievements from the Men’s 50 m freestyle team (Max Boesley, Lachlan Jackett-Simpson, Matt Jenkins and Nicholas Wu) and 100 m freestyle relay team (Matt Jenkins, Nicholas Wu, Flynn Phillips and Lachlan Jackett-Simpson), each securing a bronze medal! 

Congratulations to Monash’s talented swim team for their incredible effort and success this year at Nationals!

Written by Lucas Stevens, Olivia Mc Mahon and Katerina Kostakos