Ben Armbruster

Biography

Ben Armbruster's journey to the Paris Olympics is nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from Herston and growing up in the chilly climates of Stanthorpe, Queensland, Ben faced many challenges early in his swimming career. The local pool only operated half the year due to the cold, pushing Ben to travel 100km for year-round training once he joined the state squad.

His dedication paid off, and by finishing second in the 50m freestyle at the Australian Olympic trials with a time of 21.91 seconds, Ben earned his spot on the 2024 Australian Olympic team. His roots at the Stanthorpe Swimming Club shone through as they proudly celebrated his accomplishments on social media, hailing him as an “inspirational” figure.

Starting swimming at just four years old, Ben committed to long drives and intense training, relocating to the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2020. Following his coach, Chris Mooney, he moved to Bond University, pursuing a degree in sport management while dedicating himself to swimming.

Ben's first major breakthrough came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he reached the final of the 50m backstroke and clinched gold in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay. Despite a rib injury sidelining him from the 2023 world championships, he bounced back, excelling in World Cup events and national championships.

At the 2024 Australian championships, Ben's stellar performances continued, marked by top finishes in multiple events. His unique swim cap, emblazoned with the German flag and gifted by fellow swimmer Luca Armbruster, became a symbol of his Olympic aspirations. Ben's message is clear: with resilience and hard work, boundaries are meant to be broken.