Swimming NSW is heartbroken to announce that one of our best swimmers, Kenneth To, has passed away at age 26.
Kenneth will be remembered as much for his results in the pool, as well as being the true gentlemen he was outside of it. Achieving results was a key focus for Kenneth, however, he always made sure he was there to support the team and was loved by all his teammates. His work ethic was second to none and was inspirational for all those who trained with him.
Kenneth proudly supported his School, Club, State and Australia and trained under Coach Matthew Brown at Trinity Grammar School for the majority of his swimming career. He was a multiple Australian Record Holder and still holds the Australian Short Course Record in the 100m and 200m Individual Medley. In 2009, he came into the swimming spotlight when he broke Ian Thorpe’s decade-old Australian record in the 16 Years 200m Individual Medley, swimming a time of 2.04.31 and went on to win multiple National Championships as an age group swimmer.
Kenneth burst onto the international scene in 2010 at the Summer Youth Olympics and Junior Pan Pacific Championships. Although, one of his proudest achievements would come later that year when he became Australia Dolphin 705 to represent Australia at the 2010 FINA World Short Course Championships.
The following year, Kenneth was selected onto the Australian Team once again to compete at the 2011 FINA World Championships. In 2012, he narrowly missed selection onto the London Olympic Games team, but went on to be crowned Men’s Overall Winner in the 2012 FINA World Cup Series. That same year, Kenneth won Silver in the 100m Individual Medley at the FINA World Short Course Championships. In 2013 he again represented Australia at the FINA World Championships and in 2014 was selected onto the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships Teams.
At his peak, Kenneth was arguably, pound for pound, one of the best short course swimmers in the world, his power at the start and skills across all four strokes were difficult to match.
Everyone who ever met Kenneth will have fond memories of the time they spent with him and he will be mourned across the swimming community worldwide.
Our love and deepest sympathy are with Kenneth’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
We will miss you Kenny.
For those who would like to pay their respects, Kenneth's funeral will be held Monday 1st April at 10am in the Trinity Grammar School Chapel. Parking is available via Victoria St, Ashfield on No.3 Oval.
