Wilson & Woodward make case for selection at Swimming Trials

The opening night of the 2018 Hancock Prospecting Australian Swimming Trials was set alight by NSWIS athletes Brad Woodward and Matthew Wilson who both made it to the podium with personal best times as they fought for their spots on the Australian Commonwealth Games Team.

Regional athlete Bradley Woodward clocked second place in the Men’s 100m Backstroke in a time of 54.24 seconds, behind dual world champion Mitch Larkin (53.57).  Silver medallist Woodward was a surprise packet of the night with the Adam Kable coached 20-year-old sneaking into second place just over the A-qualifying time after posting a personal best time – his fate is now in the hands of selectors.

Woodward’s NSWIS teammate Matthew Wilson also impressed on the first night of finals with the 2017 World Championships debutant hitting the wall in a new personal best time of 2:08.31, dipping under the A-qualifying time and putting his hand up for Commonwealth Games selection on Saturday night.

“I’m stoked with that. I don’t think it was the best swim, but just getting on to the team is a big honour for me,” Wilson said.

“I’ve been thinking about these Commonwealth Games probably since the last Commonwealth Games. I’ve really wanted to be here, it’s going to be a massive crowd, so it’s been in my head for the last four years now.”

“It’s been a lot of hard work and a few ups and downs, with a few holes I’ve had to get myself out of, but it’s good to be in the team.”

Wilson was too strong for his fellow competitors, touching over two seconds clear, with Zac Stubblety-Cook (2:10.64) and George Harley (2:10.82) rounding out the top three.

Hancock Prospecting Australian Swimming Trials – The Selection of the Australian Swimming Team – #AusTrials2018

Proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland

When: February 28-March 3
Where: Optus Aquatic Centre
Heats: 11am – Livestreamed at https://www.swimming.org.au/LIVE-streaming.aspx
Finals: 7:15 – on Network Seven – Check local guides for details
Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SWIMTRIA18

Winner! @matt_wilson28 takes gold in the 200m Breaststroke at the Australian National Trials on the Goldy. A PB of 2:08.31, excellent result! #TeamNSWIS

A post shared by NSW Institute of Sport (@nswinstituteofsport) on Feb 28, 2018 at 3:53pm PST