Former CQU Health and Human Performance student Ben Dascombe had a supporting role in the lead-up to Eamon Sullivan's world record 50m swim on the weekend.

Dr Dascombe, who completed his undergraduate, postgraduate and research studies with CQU in Rockhampton, is now the swimming sports physiologist at the Western Australian Institute of Sport.

Before the weekend, he had spent 2 weeks with Eamon, his coach Grant Stoelwinder and his squad at Thredbo training at altitude.

"His record was most definitely a surprise, there was no strict taper in place and we knew he was priming for big things this year, but that was unreal. There is a great chance that at trials, when tapererd, shaved and under pressure he could go even faster than that," Dr Dascombe said.

In his support role with the swim squad Dr Dascombe is required to:

Dr Ben Dascombe in his days at CQU

- take training lactates (to look at exercise intensity, energy system use and training phases)

- monitor the swimmers' body composition and nutritional intake

- discuss training sets and phases, race plans and ideas with Eamon and Grant.

- video (above and underwater) of Eamon (and the others) and providing this and feedback for them.

- monitor and supervise cross-training activities.

- plan and intervene in recovery strategies (massage, ice baths, etc).