In this edition of Beyond the Blocks we share a yarn with teenager Grayson Doig whose love of swimming is only equalled by his love of mob.

Spinning a yarn has never been more powerful

AS an 11-year-old, Grayson Doig (pictured) launched a heart-warming campaign to deliver pre-loved footy boots to remote indigenous communities more than 3000 kilometres from his home in New South Wales.

This week as a 17-year-old, Doig stood in front of his mates, peers and the Trinity Grammar school community to “share a yarn” about reconciliation not being a moment but a movement to create long-lasting change; and that the opportunity to connect meant we don’t wait for change, we create it.

“So let us walk this bridge side by side not just for this week but every week. Because now more than ever, reconciliation belongs to all of us,” the Year 12 Prefect told his school assembly.

As part of Reconciliation Week, a record number of First Nations athletes were appointed as national ambassadors by the Australian Institute of Sport.

Now in its sixth year, the AIS Share a Yarn Program connects First Nations’ athletes from high-performance sports with well-known mentors who help them navigate life as a First Nations athlete and become advocates in sport.

It is part of the broader Win Well commitment to enhance meaningful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, histories, communities, and cultures.

The Budawang swimmer, who is coached by Ben Tuxford, is one of 25 athletes to be named as an ambassador – also named from swimming were Bianca Crisp and Jackson Anderson.

“It’s a pretty cool opportunity to lean into and to further the connection between all communities … however, this movement is not built with words alone, but with truth, respect, and action and I love that swimming is represented by three of us,” Doig said.

“I am so grateful for my mob and family, the school community … my coaches … and I love how swimming gives me the chance to also share our stories.

“Swimming has given me so much. I started learning when I was six months old, made NSW team in Grade 4 and then was fortunate enough to secure a scholarship to Trinity … all of this because of swimming.

“Next week I will swim at Adelaide Trials but big picture is to have a gap year next year and see what happens. But what I would really love to see in 2032 is for swimming to have that breakthrough moment like 2000 (with Cathy Freeman in athletics).”

Oceania teammate Anderson added: “Swimming has given me incredible opportunities, but I also recognise that not all Indigenous athletes have the same access or support. I want to be part of the change, helping to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for Indigenous swimmers.”

A strong focus of the program is helping athletes strengthen their cultural identity.

Learn more about AIS Share a Yarn here: www.ais.gov.au/share-a-yarn

We hope you enjoyed this Beyond The Blocks read!

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Full Throssell: Why this triple Olympian is flying business class and plunging into a whole new world of suits.

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Podium to Platform: Why an OAM means almost as much as Paralympic gold to world-record holder Tim Hodge

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Buddy Brilliant: How learn-to-swim classes inspired an LA story

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Surf and Perf: How the black and gold inspired the green and gold

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Going for Bigger than Gold: How a young open water swimmer is paving the way for the Sri Lankan community

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