Australian Paralympic medalist Col Pearse has traded the podium for the pool deck, inspiring dozens of young swimmers in a once in a lifetime chance to swim alongside the athlete at a free GOswim community aquatics clinic at Whitlam Leisure Centre in Sydney’s inner west.

Col spent the afternoon inspiring the next generation of swimmers, answering questions, stopping for photos with fans and racing members of the swim club, offering a firsthand look at his elite training and mindset.

Delivered by Belgravia Leisure in partnership with Swimming Australia, the event is part of the national GOswim program, a trusted, inclusive learn‑to‑swim pathway supporting children and families. The clinic, held on Wednesday, 20 May gave participants the rare opportunity to learn from an elite, high‑performance para‑athlete.

Col, a Paralympic and Commonwealth Games medalist, was born in the small regional town of Echuca, Victoria. At the age of two, his right foot was amputated below the ankle following a collision. He still has his heel bone intact, which allows him to walk on his stump.

Once in a lifetime chance to swim with an athlete

The Whitlam visit marked Col’s second appearance as part of a GOswim Australia community program, following a similar event at Monbulk Aquatic Centre. He said returning to local pools and working directly with young swimmers was especially meaningful.

“Growing up in a small town with a small pool, opportunities like this didn’t exist,” Col said. “Being able to share my story and get kids excited about swimming is incredibly rewarding.”

“In the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Games, it’s important to me to ensure as many young people as possible get into the water to build their skills.”

Col added seeing a Paralympian in the pool could be particularly powerful for young people with disability. “When I was growing up and going through the learn-to-swim program, I didn’t see anyone with a disability,” Col added.

“Even for those without a disability, to learn and be inspired, not just by what I say, but by how I swim and what I teach them in the water, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get involved.”

Col reflected on the importance of community pools and local clubs in shaping swimmers.

“Visits like these help create a culture of swimming: we’re surrounded by beaches and rivers, so it’s vital for communities to come together and learn to swim – it’s a life-saving skill.”

Whitlam Leisure Centre Manager Ryan Dellaca said hosting the clinic aligned strongly with Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to inclusion and high‑quality aquatic programs.

“Seeing a high‑performance para‑athlete in person provides genuine representation and shows young swimmers and their families that pathways in swimming are achievable for everyone,” Mr. Dellaca said.

“Our team is trained to deliver a welcoming, flexible and safe environment, and our venue features accessible entry points, equipment and spaces to support participation for all abilities.”

He said events like the GOswim clinic helped strengthen connections between families, members and the venue.

“We work closely with our guests and support networks to ensure every participant has a positive experience. I hope watching Col in the pool inspires swimmers to believe in their potential and stay passionate about their swimming journey.”

For more information about GOswim programs, see here.

To learn about upcoming events at Whitlam Leisure Centre, visit here.

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