Brendon Smith is a competitive swimmer who represents Australia internationally. He is an Olympic medalist in the 400.
Brendon started swimming at a very young age and showed promise early on, competing for Australia at the Junior and Senior level as just a teenager.
International Competition
2018 Jr Pan Pacific Championships
In Fiji, Smith claimed silver in the 400 free (3:52.67) and 4th place in the 400 IM (4:18.95). He also earned bronze as Australia’s anchor in the 4×200 free relay.
2019 International Meets
In 2019, Smith got the chance to represent Australia at both the Universiade (World University Games) and the US Summer Nationals. At Universiade, he placed 8th in the 400 IM (4:21.72) while at US Nats he competed in the 400 IM and 400 free.
International Swimming League – New York Breakers
For both seasons 1 and 2 of the ISL, Smith represented the New York Breakers. Notably, in season 2, he was only 1 of 2 Australians, along with Emily Seebohm, who made the trip over to Budapest during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he speaks about below on the SwimSwam Podcast.
During the course of the season, Smith was a valuable point scorer for the Breakers, notching multiple top-5 finishes in both the 400 IM and 400 free.
2021 Olympic Trials
Having finally made it to the his first Trials, Smith wasted no time punching his ticket to Tokyo. On Day 1 of competition, Smith won the 400 IM in an Australian record of 4:10.04. He went on to qualify for the 200 IM as well, finishing 2nd (1:58.82) behind countryman Mitch Larkin.
2021 Olympic Games
Similar to his Trials, Brendon Smith wasted no time asserting himself once competition began. On Day 1 in prelims of the 400 IM, Smith lowered his Aussie record once again with a 4:09.27, making him the top seed headed into finals.
In finals, Smith finished 3rd in a time of 4:10.38, winning his first-ever Olympic medal with a bronze.
2024 Australian Olympic Trials (Brisbane, Australia)
In the 400 IM, Smith and William Petric quickly separated themselves from the field on fly. Nearly even through the first 200 meters, Smith managed to pull ahead on the breaststroke leg with Petric falling off the pace slightly. On the final 50, it was clear that Smith would make the cut and so he did, winning with a 4:10.18, just off his PB and Australian Record of 4:09.27 for 2021 when he won Bronze