New sports academy helps athletes feel at home

With the help of a new South West Academy of Sport (SWAS) program, the 26-year-old will be able to return to Warrnambool without interrupting his extensive training routine.

Bertrand signed on as the first SWAS elite athlete earlier this week.

The innovative program, designed by SWAS executive Glenn Singleton, provides south-west sporting exports access to quality facilities when they are visiting the region.

Bertrand is currently preparing for the World Rowing Championships in New Zealand in November.

He forced his way into the Australian lightweight eight boat last month.

The Melbourne-based rower said the SWAS elite athlete program would allow him to continue his gruelling schedule when he travels home.

"It's going to be a big help," he said.

"It will be a big advantage when I'm in Warrnambool.

"I will have access to the same facilities as I would in Melbourne.

"I'll have access to a good gym, physio, strength and resistance training programs and sport medicine."

Bertrand will also act as a mentor for younger SWAS members.

The Brauer College graduate said he understood the struggles of country athletes trying to reach the top level of a chosen sport.

"I know how hard it is if you have high aspirations," he said.

"If I can offer some kind of support that would be great.

"I would be more than happy to do that."

Bertrand will contest his fifth world championships in two months.

Most of his time is spent conditioning the body, rather than the mind.

He said he looked forward to having to option of coming home.

"I will be able to spend more time with family," he said.

"Sometimes the mental side of sport is forgotten.

"It is important to have a mental break with family."

Singleton said his project was designed to "take the pressure off" elite athletes.

He said he was in talks with other south-west-bred sport stars to join Bertrand in the program.