[1] Hurst was one of the first Australian athletes to gain selection for the 2012 London Olympics by placing fifth at the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Championships.

At that time Hurst decided to continue to pursue both swimming and Ironman racing during 2012, the latter he competed in with great success.

Hurst was a long term ward of master coach Dennis Cottrell, at the Miami Club.

He won a silver medal at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships in the 5km Open Water swimming event.

Hurst attended Bond University on a sporting scholarship and studied property development and business.