Everyone meet, Bianca Crisp our latest addition the the JOLYN team! We couldn't more excited to introduce her to you all. Bianca competes in both pool and open water swimming, as well as surf life saving, however her passion lies in the open water where she specialises in the 10km marathon swim. Bianca recently qualified for her first senior Australian Team and will be making her Australian Dolphin debut in the 5km at the upcoming World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.

Alongside her athletic pursuits, Bianca is deeply passionate about her studies and graduated from Griffith University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Health Science. After swimming, her goal is to pursue the Doctor of Medicine and become a specialised medical practitioner. As a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri People of Cowra, New South Wales, she is dedicated to closing the gap and making a positive impact in the lives of First Peoples.

Bianca hopes that she can inspire other up and coming young athletes and to empower them to do what they love and become the best they can be.

We recently reached out to Bianca with some questions so you can all get to know the talented wonder woman she is. To learn more about Bianca's journey be sure to read the Q&A below!👇

GET TO KNOW BIANCA

What's your fave thing about swimming/being an athlete?

I’ve always loved being fit and active, but I what really excites me is being able to challenge and push myself both mentally and physically through the training I do. Marathon swimming requires putting in those extra kilometres and training through extremely gruelling sets, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Another one of the best things about my sport is the incredible places that I have had the chance to visit. I’ve been lucky enough to swim in some of the most amazing locations, including Paris, Fiji, Israel…and very soon Japan! Being able to explore the world while doing what I love is something I am incredibly grateful for; the opportunities and the unforgettable experiences they've brought me.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as an athlete & how did you overcome it? 

During my own career I’ve faced lots of challenges, some that I wasn’t sure I would be able to overcome. Most recently, I suffered an injury just before trials for the 2023 World Championship team. With only a month and a half until trials, I found myself unable to train properly and uncertain if I could even compete. However, by placing my trust in the process, the support of those around me, and having a positive mindset, I was able to persevere and went on to place 4th in the 10km event, securing my qualification for the next stage of team selection. This was a huge milestone for me, as I later went on to earn my place on my first senior Australian Team.

Through all the challenges I’ve faced so far, I've learned that life may throw obstacles our way, but it's our determination and resilience that truly shape and define us. I believe that each set back you overcome makes you stronger, both as an athlete and as an individual.

What upcoming competitions/goals are you currently working towards & what's your long term goal in the sport?

I was recently selected as a member of the Australian Dolphins Swim Team to compete in the 5km at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. Becoming an Australian Dolphin and wearing the green and gold is a dream I’ve had since I started swimming, and achieving that goal feels very surreal – I’m so proud of how far I’ve come! It has been a long journey, but I am so grateful for everything that has led me to this point, and for the opportunity to represent my country and inspire other young athletes.

Following this, my sights are set on representing Australia in the 10km at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with further ambition to follow on to the 2028 LA Olympics as well.

How do you manage your time between training and other commitments to achieve a life balance?

I’ve been swimming competitively for over 10 years, so I’ve had a lot of practice juggling my sport with all aspects of my life. Through school and university, I found the most important thing was to keep organised. I always make sure to have a diary to mark out important dates or competitions, to ensure that when it got to those periods I wasn’t stressing or distracted. I also find getting into a great routine helps a lot, and making sure to put aside time for
yourself.

With everything going on in life it’s so important to give your body and mind time to rest and reset.

What's your number one piece of advice for female athletes?

My number one piece of advice would be to make sure you love what you do. Whether it’s sport or anything else in your life, you should do it because you are passionate about it and it makes you happy. In the past I’ve struggled a lot with nerves and putting too much pressure on myself, especially at important competitions – but I always remind myself that no matter what happens or what I choose to do, the most important thing is that I give my all in what I am most passionate about.

Embrace your journey, stay committed, and know that when you do what you love, success will naturally follow.

Short questions/fun facts about you:

Fave food?

I can’t possibly narrow it down to one, but I have a weakness for chocolate…

One thing on your bucket list?

To travel across Europe

Fave hobby outside of swimming?

When I have free time outside of swimming, you can find me enjoying the sun at the beach and relaxing in nature. There’s something really comforting about taking a step back to unwind and immerse myself in the natural environment.

Fave pair of JOLYNs you own?

My favourite would definitely have to be my printed Perry in Triton! I absolutely love bright colours.

A quote you live by?

“Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”

To keep up to date with Bianca, be sure to follow her on the socials for all things swim, inspiration and just an all round great lady! 

IG: @biancacrisp

TikTok: @biancacrisp