James Leigh, swim teacher, lifeguard and rising swim star Albany Creek Leisure Centre is representing New Zealand at the 2026 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in the United States from 12-15 August, marking another milestone in a journey that began at his local community pool as a learn-to-swim participant.
Through hard work, determination and the support of family, coaches and his community, James has paved his way to the championships, held at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in the United States’ Irvine, California.
From humble beginnings at Albany Creek Leisure Centre to recent freestyle victories on the international stage at the 2026 New Zealand National Championships, the swim star is inspiring the next generation of swimmers at Albany Creek.
A lifelong connection to the water
Starting out as a learn-to-swim participant, James has progressed to an elite athlete while working at the venue as a swim teacher and lifeguard.
The athlete’s swimming journey gained momentum while he was living in the Philippines, where his family spent three years. After returning to Australia at age 10, James joined Marist College Ashgrove Swim Club, where he continues to train under coach James Boyce.
Now representing New Zealand at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, James is competing in the 200m Freestyle, 400m Freestyle, 4x100m Freestyle Relay and 4x200m Freestyle Relay.
The opportunity follows a breakout period in the pool, including being crowned Open Champion in both the 400m and 800m freestyle events at the 2026 New Zealand National Championships.
James said:
“I’m super grateful for the ongoing support from Albany Creek Leisure Centre, helping me work around my busy and ever changing swimming schedule. I love teaching and influencing the younger swimmers wherever I can.
“I am excited to continue building on my training and to be racing in my first international senior competition against some of the best in the world.”
Community support at Albany Creek Leisure Centre
Assistant Centre Manager at Albany Creek, Belinda Stephens, said the entire team was proud to see one of their own competing on the international stage.
“We are incredibly proud of James and all that he has achieved so far. To see someone who learned to swim here working at the venue and representing us internationally is both inspiring for our community and the next generation of swimmers.
“We are excited to see where swimming takes him in the future.”
James’ story highlights the important role of community aquatic venues like Albany Creek in developing water confidence, lifelong participation in sport and pathways for future athletes.
Update: a thrilling competition
James’ efforts in the highly competitive 200m Freestyle, 400m Freestyle, 4x100m Freestyle Relay and 4x200m Freestyle Relay resulted in standout finish times and two seventh place rankings:
- Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay: 3:17.99. Rank: 7
- Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay: 7:18.25. Rank: 7
- Men’s 400m Freestyle: 3:54.33. Rank: 16
- Men’s 200m Freestyle: 1:49.95. Rank: 33.
To learn more about Albany Creek Leisure Centre, visit the website here.
Key facts:
- James Leigh is a swim teacher and lifeguard at Albany Creek Leisure Centre
- He first learned to swim through the venue’s learn-to-swim program
- James is competing at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in the United States on 12 August
- He is racing in the 200m Freestyle, 400m Freestyle, 4x100m Freestyle Relay and 4x200m Freestyle Relay
- James trains with Marist College Ashgrove Swim Club under coach James Boyce
- He was recently crowned Open Champion in the 400m and 800m freestyle at the 2026 New Zealand National Championships
- James represents a strong example of the pathway from community learn-to-swim programs to elite-level competition
