Inspired by the success of his training buddies, Cambodian national Sovann Montross has moved to Bond Swimming to live out an Olympic dream.
The 21-year-old was a part of a World Aquatics squad in Phuket that featured Bondies Omar Abass and Finau Ohuafi.
“I was living in Phuket for five years, training in the Thanyapura program in Phuket,” Montross said.
“I heard from Omar and Finau that the program at Bond was great, so I decided to make the big switch.”
Abbass and Ohuafi arrived at Bond in early 2023 on a World Aquatics scholarship. Both improved their times, and Abbass forced his way into the Syrian team for the Paris Olympics.
Montross, a Bachelor of Commerce Student, is currently training in the pathway program under the watchful eye pf Bond Swimming coach, Zander Hey.
“Working with Zander has really taught me how to train smarter,” Montross said.
“The load is a lot less compared to the training in Thailand, but the quality of training is far better.
“When you train so intensely and smartly you notice your improvement.”
Montross wasn’t a natural swimmer. He says he was the slowest swimmer in his second grade PE class back home in Cambodia. But some expert guidance changed things for the better.
“The coach of the swimming program at my school, Hem Kiry, was the head of the Swimming Federation in Cambodia and a two-time Olympian,” Montross said.
“He took me under his wing, and I’ve been swimming ever since.”
Like many international swimmers who train at Bond, Sovann is aiming high.
“I came to Bond with one major goal and that is to represent Cambodia at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” said Montross.
“I currently hold the Cambodian national record for the 50m butterfly, so I’m confident that through the swimming program here I’ll achieve my dream.”