Ella Bounden is a name to watch in the world of swimming. At the young age of 13 years, she is already piquing interest and achieving goals one can only dream about.
Ella started swimming at six years old, always having swam with the Pioneer Swimming Club. Ella’s growth as an athlete and focus to her goals in the sport of swimming is phenomenal at such a young age.
She tells us her favourite coach to date is “Igor of course” – he has fostered this love and mentored a strong and formidable athlete. Ella tells us she loves how Igor can tailor training for each of the swimmers in the squad to ensure they are each being challenged every session.
Ella’s “pet” stroke is Backstroke – the 50 or 100 metre events. The 2022-2023 season has seen Ella break an extraordinary number of personal bests but also achieve qualifying times for State and National events! Ella swam at the December 2022 McDonald’s Queensland Championships, the February 2023 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Sprint Championships and now has qualified and will attend the 2023 Australian Age Championships in April. Ella’s next goal is to join the Junior World Championship Trials – watch out!
She tells us she looks up to Australian Swimmer, Isaac Cooper. He also loves Backstroke but she loves his determination to keep trying despite what gets thrown at him.
Ella is excited for Nationals in April – not just because it is Nationals, but because it is something different, exciting, and new to experience. The Pioneer Swimming Club has not had a swimmer qualify for nationals in a long time and she is excited to represent the club on this stage. The Club is certainly proud of her!
Ella is such a delight in our club – she is always happy, always smiling and always focused and eager to swim. She tells us she loves her club – “it is fun, inclusive and a great environment” but she also loves how the club is always doing something, be it training, club nights, carnivals, dinners and barbeques.
The Club looks forward to hearing Ella’s experience at Nationals and wish her the best of luck!
Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno
The moment Ella Bounden knew she made a national time
Ella at NQ Champs. Photos supplied
