The superb 2017 Swimming Australia Gala Dinner, presented by Hancock Prospecting, was held following the short course racing in Adelaide, a night to reflect on our team and some amazing results.

Swimmer of the Year went to world champion Emily Seebohm, while the Hancock Prospecting Swimmers' Swimmer was awarded to Emma McKeon, the Open Water Swimmer of the Year to Chelsea Gubecka and the Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year to Rowan Crothers. 

Congratulations also must go to our fantastic Coaches with David Lush and Rob Van Der Vanttaking Coach of the Year and Paralympic Coach of the Year respectively while Michael Sage won Open Water Coach of the Year and Dean Boxall was awarded the Youth Coach of the Year. 

On the night we recognised our wider community of volunteers, Technical Officials and clubs, who dedicate so much time to our sport.  Congratulations to all the winner on the night and a special mention to Bunbury Swimming Club in WA who took out the Optus Club of the Year Award - the next generation of swimmers is in your capable hands. 


Photo: Swimming Australia Patron Mrs Rinehart and a pod of Dolphins

Another highlight was the involvement of our Patron Mrs Gina Rinehart at the awards evening. Mrs Rinehart in her keynote speech talked about dedication and the power and influence of role models. 

"Tonight, I’m here as patron," Mrs Rinehart said.

"But I think much more than that, as I feel, and I hope you know, I feel more than just your patron. I like and regard very highly your dedication, self-discipline, huge efforts and sacrifices, your wonderful strong desires to represent your country, your modesty, your values, and as I say many times, both your ambassadorship for Australia, and your huge contribution as role models."
 
What an accolade from a person who has done so much and continues to do so much in her own life. 


Photo: With Bronte Campbell and Mrs Rinehart

Congratulations must also go to Cate Campbell for smashing the world 100m freestyle short course record at the recent Hancock Prospecting Australian Short Course Swimming Championships. It is great to see world class athletes such as Cate take time out which she did last season and come back with results such as this. 

Plus a number of Para world records were also set at the meet with Monique Murphy, Matthew Haanappel, Matthew Levy, Daniel Fox, Grant Patterson, Katja Dedekind and Braeden Jason all recording world best times in their classifications. 

Our Olympic and Paralympic athletes are now in full training for the 2018 Hancock Prospecting Australian Swimming Trials in late February. And then, the Commonwealth Games in April....the Dolphins are coming!





John Bertrand AO
President
Swimming Australia.