At a time when many young people are searching for role models and inspiration, the Yarra Ranges community was treated to an unforgettable experience when Australian Paralympian and Dolphins swim legend, Col Pearse visited Monbulk Aquatic Centre for a free community aquatics clinic on Wednesday 4 February.
Hosted by Belgravia Leisure in partnership with Swimming Australia, the day brought together local families, GOswim participants, fans and the Monbulk Marlins Swim Club.
A hometown hero born in Echuca and raised on a dairy farm in regional Victoria, Pearse has become one of Australia’s most admired Para athletes. For fans, it was a chance to meet an athlete whose story embodies resilience and the power of chasing your dreams, all while learning lifelong skills.
Col inspires local swimmers in world-class clinic
Young swimmers dived into an engaging line‑up of activities, including a meet and greet with the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist and Paris 2024 silver medalist in which he shared stories from his journey, inspiring the next generation to chase their goals. An interactive Q&A session featured honest insights into his training, setbacks and competing on the world stage.
Pearse also offered expert tips, techniques and advice in a GOswim skills demonstration, a 15‑minute butterfly skills clinic and an exhilarating exhibition race against the Monbulk Marlins Swim Club.
Monbulk Aquatic Centre’s Venue Manager, Rachel Scott, said:
“It was incredible to see our young swimmers light up with enthusiasm while learning from Col. His energy and authenticity really left a lasting impact.”
One parent commented on how Col changed her children’s lives:
“My son is one of the aspiring junior para-athletes who competed in para-athletics over the weekend. After he heard Col speak during the Q&A, he pushed himself during the competition and went on to achieve four medals, which was a very big achievement for him.
Ahead of my daughter’s upcoming school swimming carnival, she even asked for extra training time, set personal lap-time goals and attempted the butterfly stroke for the first time, because of the session.”
Creating pathways for every child
Belgravia Leisure – proud national partner of Swimming Australia’s GOswim program – delivers over three million swimming and water safety lessons each year. These lessons help address a broader community challenge: ensuring every child has access to safe, inclusive and inspiring pathways into sport.
By bringing elite athletes like Pearse into local venues, families gain access to high‑quality learning experiences that build confidence in aquatic environments, strengthen water‑safety awareness and show young people what’s possible.
Lasting memories with a Paralympian
With endless smiles all around, Col Pearse’s visit became a reminder to every child in the pool that their dreams are worth chasing, no matter the obstacle.
For more information about GOswim programs, see here.
To learn about upcoming events at Monbulk Aquatic Centre, visit here.
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