Macquarie University international student and swimming Sport Scholar, Donald Cameron, has qualified for the 2015 Swiss National Squad after impressive results in the Mare Nostrum Tour.
Taking place from 7-15 June 2014, the Tour involved three stations across Monaco, Canet and Barcelona, with successful swimmers being selected for the European Representative Team for Switzerland.
Donald’s best efforts took place in Canet, France, on 11 and 12 June, where he achieved a new personal best time in 50m Freestyle and swam a near perfect race in the 200m Individual Medley heats. For the 200m IM, Donald swam a time of 2:03.77, which was 0.45s faster than his personal best. Donald’s efforts for the event were rewarded with selection into the Swiss National Squad for the first time in the swimmer’s career.
However, being just 0.17s short of the qualifying time for the European Representative Team, Donald’s goal was not meant to be. He completed the B-Final for the 200m Individual Medley with a 2:04.3 and was ranked 15th overall.
“When trying really hard (with sports), sometimes things don't work out,” said Donald.
“So, despite starting off the race the required 0.2 seconds faster, I was somehow unable to come home as fast as in the morning.”
Throughout the Tour, Donald finished 13th overall in the B-Final for the 200m Individual Medley in Monaco, and finished in 9th place in the A-Final for the 200m Individual Medley in Barcelona.
“My Swiss coach mentioned that for certain races the level was higher than at European championships,” said Donald.
Although unsuccessful for the European Representative Team for Switzerland, selection into the 2015 Swiss National Squad provides opportunities for Donald to compete in various international events next year.
Currently living in Dural, Donald Cameron is in his fifth year of Masters of Research – Science.
Taking place from 7-15 June 2014, the Tour involved three stations across Monaco, Canet and Barcelona, with successful swimmers being selected for the European Representative Team for Switzerland.
Donald’s best efforts took place in Canet, France, on 11 and 12 June, where he achieved a new personal best time in 50m Freestyle and swam a near perfect race in the 200m Individual Medley heats. For the 200m IM, Donald swam a time of 2:03.77, which was 0.45s faster than his personal best. Donald’s efforts for the event were rewarded with selection into the Swiss National Squad for the first time in the swimmer’s career.
However, being just 0.17s short of the qualifying time for the European Representative Team, Donald’s goal was not meant to be. He completed the B-Final for the 200m Individual Medley with a 2:04.3 and was ranked 15th overall.
“When trying really hard (with sports), sometimes things don't work out,” said Donald.
“So, despite starting off the race the required 0.2 seconds faster, I was somehow unable to come home as fast as in the morning.”
Throughout the Tour, Donald finished 13th overall in the B-Final for the 200m Individual Medley in Monaco, and finished in 9th place in the A-Final for the 200m Individual Medley in Barcelona.
“My Swiss coach mentioned that for certain races the level was higher than at European championships,” said Donald.
Although unsuccessful for the European Representative Team for Switzerland, selection into the 2015 Swiss National Squad provides opportunities for Donald to compete in various international events next year.
Currently living in Dural, Donald Cameron is in his fifth year of Masters of Research – Science.
