Randal Bonham of the Aurora Ducks Swim Club isn’t about to throw water on that theory.

A six-medal winner at the Ontario provincial masters championships held in Etobicoke this spring, the 18-year-old Bonham also was named recently as the most improved male swimmer for the McMaster University Marauders varsity swim team for the 2007-08 season.

Typically a breaststroke specialist, the Aurora resident credits Marauders’ head coach Andrew Cole with identifying the backstroke as an opportunity to expand his arsenal.

“I had not swam much backstroke with the Ducks but Andrew saw that it had some base and was ready to be worked on,” said Bonham, a freshman, whose best finish at the Ontario Universities Association championships was a seventh in the 200-metre backstroke. “He liked my attitude with the butterfly, that I wasn’t afraid to jump in and do it.”

But hard work still is the vital requirement for success. Bonham  prides himself in a strong work ethic.

“It’s definitely something you have to learn over time,” said Bonham. “It’s my 13th or 14th year of swimming so it’s a case of when you’re in it that long, you either have it or get it.”

A freshman who is studying music at McMaster, he also noted the difference between school and club swimming.

“In varsity, the attitude toward each other is more like a family, which I found really surprising,” he said. “But you’re all more at the same level so it’s easier. I was a bit surprised. I didn’t expect to win the award.”

At the provincial masters meet, Bonham won 100 and 200-metre butterfly and 200 backstroke and added silver medals in the 100 backstroke, 400 and 1,500 freestyle in the men’s 18 to 25 category.

He was also a member of the world record-breaking team that won the 200 relay.

Bonham is qualified for the upcoming national masters championships in Quebec City but is not sure if he will be able to participate due to summer job commitments.

Athlete of the Week is a regular feature highlighting local athletes and their accomplishments. If you know of a nominee, contact The Era-Banner at sports@erabanner.com, fax 905-853-5379 or call at 905-853-8888.