Rob Woodhouse on the future of swimming

“There’s been a lot written and spoken about the green and gold runway into the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic and Olympic Games and I’m excited to see that our swimming talent pool is thriving, with young athletes around the country inspired to be representing the Australian Dolphins on the global stage at our new National Aquatic Centre in Brisbane in 2032.

One of our key roles at Swimming Australia is to ensure that we can provide those athletes and their coaches with the best possible opportunity for success in Brisbane.

While competitive sport strategy is often shaped by Games cycles, Swimming Australia recognises the importance of supporting the growth and sustainability of our sport well beyond 2032.  This requires increased focus and leadership from us at all levels of the swimming eco-system. We have been exploring how Swimming Australia can play a greater role in strengthening alignment and connection across the aquatic industry. This includes learn-to-swim providers, facility owners and operators, swimming clubs, athletes, coaches and volunteers, as well as swimming fans and recreational swimmers across the country. Together, these groups represent a national audience of more than 4.4 million Australians.

Our vision beyond 2032 is for a partnership-supported, nationally connected swimming model that gives every Australian the skills, confidence and opportunity to be safe, belong and remain connected to swimming – whether through competitive swimming, other aquatic sports, recreation or lifelong participation. By working with integral stakeholders and partners, we will help strengthen aquatic education and national standards, build workforce and industry capability, support drowning prevention and water safety, grow participation, and create sustainable value for facilities, clubs and communities across Australia.

We see a future where Dolphins athletes and coaches are contracted by Swimming Australia as they continue to strive for podium success on the global stage, while also inspiring Australians as ambassadors for our sport. Through learn-to-swim programs, fan engagement opportunities and fun participation and recreational swimming initiatives, our Dolphins and coaches will help connect more Australians with swimming nationwide.

Swimming reaches into every community in the country.  From regional swimming pools in small towns across the country, to our rivers, lakes, dams, oceans and waterways.   Bringing the aspirational values of our Dolphins to the very heart of our communities across Australia and engaging our connected swimming communities is an incredible asset for leading brands to align with, to support and to benefit from – from the first splash to the podium.

We’re incredibly fortunate in Australia that our federal government provides valuable funding to swimming and other sports to enable our high-performance athletes to strive to be the world’s best.  This funding ensures we have access to the best coaches, sports science, technology, facilities, and domestic and international events for our athletes.

We must grow investment into our sport if we are going to achieve great things, to inspire Australians, and make sure every Aussie is not only safer, but has the skills to enjoy swimming for life. This is how we ensure swimming remains one of Australia’s favourite, and foundational, sports.

Ahead of a home Games in 2032, now is the time for brands across Australia to join us as we build one of the biggest connected sporting communities in Australia. We hope you’ll join us.”