Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) played host to 150 of our brightest young swimming prospects as the first instalment of the Australian Bio Island Junior Excellence clinics too to the water over the weekend.
The next wave of Australian swimmers were treated to a swimming clinic with a host of swimming stars including former World Record Holder and current Australian Dolphin Matt Wilson and teammates Brad Woodward and Meg Bailey.
Australian Dolphin Coach Adam Kable – who coaches Wilson and Woodward at SOPAC – was also on hand to pass on his knowledge and was assisted by former Dolphin Kurt Herzog and Bio Island ambassador and Olympian Elka Whalan.
The young athletes took part in a question and answer session with Wilson during the clinic where he was impressed by the talent and dedication shown.
“It was awesome to be able to attend a JX clinic and spend some time with these young swimmers and give back to the sport that has given me so much,” he said.
“The great thing about the JX program is that it recognises performance and encourages development, something that is so important when you are swimming at a young age.
“I hope that I have been able to pass on some valuable knowledge and skills to the next generation future Dolphins.”
Whalan was actively involved in the clinic delivery on the day.
"What an incredible launch and opening of the Bio Island Australian Junior Excellence swim clinics. It was a thrill to be involved, watch and share with these incredible passionate and talented young swimmers destined to light the way in years to come! Thank you to Swimming Australia and Bio Island for allowing this to happen and here is to many more of these camps to come!"
While the children soaked up skills and drills their parents were treated to a poolside Bio Island food cart, where they indulged in waffles and muesli cups and kept an eye on all the action.
West Australians will have the opportunity to learn from Olympian Blair Evans when the Bio Island JX Clinics hit Perth on September 20.
