Up Close with Sprinter Ashton Brinkworth
Jack of all trades F-Teamer Ashton Brinkworth is certainly an entertainer. From his intense sprint freestyle events to his “fish out of water” hobbies, he brings an exciting flare to the swimming circle. Fourth at the 2021 Australian Olympic Trials in the Men’s 50m Free, Ash eyes off a big Olympic cycle that lies ahead.
The 50m and 100m Freestyle are Brinkworth’s flavour, and this year he is hoping to make his maiden Dolphins team with the 2022 Commonwealth Games and World Championships up for selection at the May Trials. Under the tutelage of coach Michael Palfrey, he and other swimmers and Olympians relocated from Western Australia to the Sunshine Coast in late 2021. “When Mick moved over last year my plan was to move for the season. I’m enjoying the training a lot and the facilities at USC are amazing,” he says.
Even as a sprint specialist the rigours of training are standard for Ash. The Olympic Program at USC swim 9 times a week, along with several gym, spin and core sessions. Although in an exciting and vibrant new environment, training remains central to his focus, “I’m usually pretty knackered from training so the most I’ll usually do outside of the pool is go to the beach.”
Ash narrowly missed selection for the 2021 Olympics despite swimming a PB (22.23) at the time. This placed him 4th at the trials, proving that he can lift when it counts. With experience at the World Uni Games, he is yet to make his debut on a senior Dolphins team, but surely this recognition isn’t too far away. Disappointment can often be the biggest fuel for future success, with the sprinter learning a lot from watching the Tokyo Olympics. “I learned the importance of skill which I need to work on, but also how hungry and tenacious everyone is getting up on the blocks.”
The sprint sensation isn’t just efficient at getting from A to B in water, he is also the lead singer of indie rock band Lenny and the Bremers. “It’s actually a lot of fun! We are all swimmers and came together after an impromptu jam and we just do it for a bit of work-life balance.” Not only this, Ash aspires to become a doctor in the future and studies Med Science at the University of Western Australia.
Living with a bunch of swimmers has been an experience for Ash and his Spartan teammates, forcing him and his mates to challenge their out-of-water versatility. “I’ve tried my hand at cooking since I’ve been living out of home. I’m actually enjoying cooking for the boys which my parents definitely wouldn’t have picked.” The all-rounder admits there is one thing he has never been able to master nor get past the beginner stage. Breaststroke is his weakness. “I never passed breast in learn to swim,” proving that even the best have swimming-related challenges.
Keep an eye out for Ashton at the Trials to be held in Adelaide from May 17-22.