Swimming Australia - Beyond the Black Line

Beyond the Black Line is more than just an online resource, it’s a movement, created by swimmers, for swimmers.

At the heart of it all, are powerful stories from our Australian Dolphins, opening up about their triumphs, challenges, and everything in between. They’re here to guide and inspire the next generation of swimmers through the highs and lows that come with growing up in the sport.

It’s about breaking the silence, starting real conversations, and building a healthy balance between performance and wellbeing. Because when we support each other, we don’t just grow as athletes, we grow as people. And that’s how we become our best, both in and out of the pool.

FOR SWIMMERS:

As you grow and develop, your love for swimming can take you through some tough stretches.

Your body’s changing, life’s getting more complex, and you might be facing new emotions or challenges that you’ve never had to deal with before. You’re not alone.

Beyond the Black Line is a community built to support you, by sharing the personal stories of swimmers who’ve walked the path before you.

Through powerful conversations with our Australian Dolphins, you’ll hear real experiences about navigating injury setbacks, missing personal bests, setting goals, and finding balance between sport and life.

Their insights are here to help you, not just in the pool, but in all areas of life. Because every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

FOR PARENTS

Even when your child loves swimming, growing up can bring challenges, especially during puberty and those pivotal teenage years.

Beyond the Black Line is an online resource that helps support this critical stage of development for swimmers and their families. It gives you a meaningful way to connect with your child through storytelling, by sharing the real-life experiences of swimmers who’ve already navigated these same waters.

We know how important it is for you, as a parent, to feel confident in what your child is watching. While the content is candid, every story is delivered with care, honesty, and a focus on positive, forward-thinking outcomes.

There’s something powerful about hearing that others have felt the same way. It’s reassuring. It’s relatable. And it can open the door to conversations that really matter.

Beyond the Black Line is here to support, uplift, and inspire each other toward a healthy balance in sport and life.

VIDEOS AND FURTHER CONTENT BELOW

COACHES

Finding Balance: School, Life and Swimming

Between school, future goals, friendships, and life outside the pool, it can feel like there’s barely time to breathe, let alone balance it all. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s completely normal.

With the right mindset and a bit of planning, balance is possible.
You can thrive in the pool, stay on top of your academics, and still find time for your personal goals and dreams.

In this section, we’re sharing real experiences from swimmers just like you.

We’ve all had to figure out how to juggle school, social lives, downtime, and training. It’s not easy, and there’s no perfect formula, but we’ve learned a lot along the way (and we’re still learning).

If you’re finding it tough right now, know this: you’re not alone.
These stories are here to reassure, inspire, and remind you that it is possible to find your own version of balance.

Life isn’t just about one race. It’s about building a strong foundation for success, in and out of the pool.

Once you’ve finished watching the video, don’t forget to download our weekly and yearly planner to help you stay focused and on track.

Let’s Dive In

What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up?

Remember when you were little and the future felt wide open? Maybe you dreamed of being a vet, a teacher, an Olympian, or something totally out there, and that spark is still in you.

Now, life feels a bit more full-on, juggling school, friendships, training, and figuring out what’s next. It’s a lot. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

You can chase your goals in and out of the pool.
It’s not easy, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path, but with the right support and mindset, you can build a future that fits you.

This space is all about real stories from swimmers who are figuring it out, balancing sport, school, and the dreams they had when they were younger.

Explore the stories. Find your spark again. And check out the Beyond the Black Line resources to help you stay grounded while chasing whatever future you imagine.

Explore the tips, tools, and real-life insights on this page. And don’t forget to check out the Beyond the Black Line resources for downloadable guides at the bottom of this page.