Australian Age Group Champion Thomas Symonds Chooses Alabama for 2028
NEW COMMIT: The University of Alabama has secured a new verbal commitment from Australian international Thomas Symonds of Brisbane, Queensland. Symonds excels in sprint fly, back and free.
He will join Denzo Senekal, Jimmy Jacobs, Cooper Walkup and Owen Miklos in Tuscaloosa as a member of the Crimson Tide’s Class of 2032.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“Beyond excited and incredibly grateful to announce that I have verbally committed to continue my academic and swimming career at the University of Alabama! I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, my family, friends, teammates, and everyone who has believed in me along the way. I truly wouldn’t be here without you. I want to sincerely thank coach Margo, Andy, and Ryan for truly believing in me and giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity. A special thank you to my coach, Tim Lane, for everything you have done for me and for constantly pushing me to become the best athlete and person I can be. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait for what’s ahead. Roll Tide!”
Symonds, who trains year-round with Somerville House, won the 100m fly at the Australian Age Group Championships in April where he also was the runner-up in the 50m back and 100m back. At the 2025 Queensland Championships in December, he earned bronze in the 50m back, 100m back and 50m fly.
In LCM, his best times include:
- 50 fly – 25.15
- 100 fly – 55.15
- 100 back – 57.20
- 50 free – 24.23
- 100 free – 56.01
In SCY, those times convert to:
- 50 fly – 22.02
- 100 fly – 48.42
- 100 back – 47.73
- 50 free – 21.10
- 100 free – 49.01
Symonds would’ve ranked fifth in the 100 back and sixth in the 100 fly last season, with his best times converted to yards.
Alabama placed sixth at the 2026 Southeastern Conference Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
