Stanthorpe’s very own Commonwealth Games swimmer Ben Armbruster represented Australia in Birmingham tonight, swimming 50m Backstroke at the games for the first time, but not the last.
Armbruster swam 25.18 seconds in heat five out of six heats and came third overall, ensuring his spot in the semi-finals which will take place at 4am tomorrow morning.
In the lead-up to the event, Armbruster said he was going into it as he always does and only hoping to do his best.
Armbruster and his teammates have been training in France, preparing not only for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham but for the Paris Olympics in 2024, according to his Stanthorpe coach Gail Smail.
The swimmer’s mum Shannon Armbruster said in the lead-up to the race that she was looking forward to watching him realise a childhood dream of representing Australia.
“He’s worked really hard this year, and no matter the outcome, we will still be happy and very proud of him,” Shannon said.
