Jack Is On Track!

Funky Trunks F-Teamer Jack Ireland is having a huge year in the pool. His recent performance at the Australian Swimming Championship puts him on track for next month’s Paralympic Trials, where he hopes to qualify for his first Paralympics. We chatted to Jack after the meet.

FT: Great work Jacko, now how do you re-focus and find ways to improve leading into Trials?

JI: I want to learn as much as I can from all of the big races I have done. Dave (Heyden, Jack’s coach) will give me feedback as well as my biomech work to make some more improvements.

FT: You’ve been going from strength-to-strength over the last few years in the pool. Can you pinpoint anything in your training or lifestyle that has helped achieve and maintain this?

JI: It’s been mostly the help from my coaches; Dave, my PT and my physio Tom Barton. My coaches also work with the QAS staff members in Brisbane and it’s been working really well. Everybody works together which helps a lot.

FT: What is a typical training week for you, both in the pool and dryland?

JI: I am in the water for double sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and then single sessions on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. I do gym two times a week too, massages every Friday and physio every two weeks. I also focus on recovery every day.

FT: Can you talk us through a 200m freestyle and any tactics you might adopt in the race?

JI: We do work a lot on my back-end speed work, but I also work lots on my easy speed for the front-end to keep a controlled rate.

FT: If you were to qualify this would be your first Paralympics. How would the experience of a World Championship medal in 2023, benefit you for a second time on the big stage?

JI: Last year’s worlds was a success, winning a bronze in the S14 200m freestyle and a silver in the S14 4x100m Free Relay. I’m feeling more confident with those bigger races now. My 200 Free has improved a lot over the last couple of years.

FT: How do you distract yourself from the pool and training?

JI: I mostly like to watch other sports and go to the beach with my friends. I take every opportunity I can get to do this.

FT: What’s your favourite pair of Funky Trunks at the moment?

JI: I actually don’t have one favourite pair, because I love all of them!

That’s what we like to hear! Watch out for Jack at Paralympic Trials which kick off in Brisbane on June 10.

You can follow Jack @_jack.ireland