Countdown begins for Norwegian Short Course Swimming Championships at Nordlandsbadet in Bodø

The countdown to the Norwegian Short Course Swimming Championships at Nordlandsbadet in Bodø is nearing its start. Among the competitors ready to dive in is an 18-year-old from Drammen.

He will be taking part in several events, including his preferred race, the 50-meter freestyle, where he finished fourth in the last championship held this summer. This time, he aims to improve his ranking.

“Typically, championships occur earlier in the spring, causing NM to be somewhat deprioritized, but now NM has been my main focus. I’m hoping this will be the moment I truly shine and achieve my best,” he expressed confidently.

Although primarily competing in the junior category due to his birth year of 2006, he believes he has a chance to qualify for the senior finals if he performs well.

“I expect to qualify for some of the senior finals. I’ve done it before, so I am aiming to do it again,” he stated.

In addition to this goal, he seeks to best his fierce rival and teammate Aksel Holden. The two made a friendly wager over who would win the 50-meter breaststroke at the summer championship, with Holden narrowly taking the victory. “I’m eager to get my revenge this time around,” he laughed.

Less than a year has passed since he joined Bærumsvømmerne, where he trains under new coach Niksa Stojkovski, who recognizes his potential.

“He has tremendous drive and a passion for swimming. He’s also curious, which is a positive trait,” said Stojkovski, acknowledging that while there are technical areas for improvement, they stand a strong chance in the national championship as long as Rustad maintains his composure.

“Finding the right level of excitement and staying relaxed when the race starts is crucial,” the coach added.