Making the journey from Queensland to Argentina in August will be Brendan Dowling, Head Coach at Albany Creek Leisure Centre. He will be coaching a promising young athlete, 14-year-old Tobi Rinaldi, in the 6th World Deaf Swimming Championships (WDSC) held in Buenos Aires.
Over 31 countries are currently confirmed to take part in the global championships.
The Albany Creek Swimming Club was initially contacted by Deaf Sports Australia following Tobi’s outstanding results during the 2022/2023 competitive season. Tobi has successfully achieved multiple qualifying times and was offered a place on the Australia Deaf Swimming Team for the 2023 WDSC as well as the 2025 Deaflympics in Japan.
Under Brendan’s tutelage, Tobi qualified for seven individual events at WDSC: the 50m Free, 50m Backstroke, 50m Breaststroke, 50m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke and 200m Freestyle.
“It’s an amazing achievement for Tobi; a testament to the hard work and commitment he has displayed over the past two competitive seasons,” says Brendan.
“As for myself, given the opportunity to support the Australian Deaf Swimming Team as a coach is incredible,” he says. “I look forward to working with all the athletes and being alongside Tobi for his first of many international competitions.”
We wish Brendan, Tobi and the team all the best as they represent Australia in Argentina.
