19-year-old paralympic athlete Ethan Blockey, who trains at Gungahlin Leisure Centre in the ACT, has qualified for Swimming Australia’s national paralympic pathway – placing him on track to compete in the 2028 LA Paralympic Games.
Pathway to the Paralympics
Ethan, who lives with an intellectual disability, is based in Macksville, NSW. He relocates to Canberra for extended periods to train full‑time at Gungahlin, training under Tracey Menzies-Stegbauer, a Gungahlin Head Squad coach who has also coached five‑time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe.
Since commencing training at Gungahlin in June 2023, Ethan has progressed rapidly through national competition, balancing high‑performance training with an inclusive, supportive community at the venue.
Most recently, Ethan competed at the World Para Series in the Gold Coast where he secured gold in the 4×100 Freestyle relay, bronze in the 200 Individual medley and received a qualifying time during the 100 Backstroke swim, inspiring young athletes across Australia.
Community‑based high‑performance support
Ethan currently completes seven pool sessions per week, supported by two additional gym sessions led by Sammie Dineen, Exercise Physiologist at Gungahlin Leisure Centre.
“Sammie is incredibly hands‑on and sometimes even hops in the pool to train alongside Ethan,” said Ethan’s mother, Nerada.
“We’re thrilled Ethan has the opportunity to swim at this level, backed by Swimming Australia and the team at Gungahlin. He really values the consistency and expertise of the coaching and conditioning support he receives here.”
“Ethan’s journey is a testament to how special the community is here at Gungahlin. We’re honoured to support elite para sport and inclusive participation pathways across Australia,” said Nicole Trindorfer, Venue Manager at Gungahlin.
Pictured left to right: Sammie Dineen, Ethan Blockey, Nicole Trindorfer, Janice (Squad Coach)
On track for LA 2028 and beyond
“Ethan is dedicated and loves what he does. He’s on track not only the LA Paralympics in 2028, but the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics, competing as a 200 medley and backstroke swimmer.
His results speak volumes – not just about his talent and hard work at Gungahlin, but about his commitment,” concluded Nerada.
Ethan will next compete in the Australian Swim Trials, held on the 8th-13th June 2026 at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, broadcast across Channel 9Now.
Building inclusive sport through community venues
“We are incredibly proud of Ethan Blockey and everything he has achieved at the World Para Series. The support, the environment and the belief we all share in our athletes help make stories like Ethan’s possible,” added Nicole.
To learn more about Gungahlin Leisure Centre, visit here.
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