Trickett and Rickard to inspire young Queenslanders

Swimming Australia
Published: Oct 16, 2012 02:53:43 PM Updated: Nov 13, 2012 12:09:50 PM

Fresh from their victory in the State Teams Short Course, Queensland will use two of their EnergyAustralia GO Swim Days to inspire the next generation of swim stars and ensure club swimming remains strong in the state.

Starting tonight, Queensland clubs Redcliffe Leagues and Lawnton Swim Club will have two Olympians on pool deck to lend a hand and promote club swimming to new and existing members.

Redcliffe Leagues Club will kick off proceedings at 5pm tonight with dual Olympian and former world record holder Brenton Rickard helping out with novelty races and a skills session.

The night will begin with a meet-and-greet barbecue followed by information and skills sessions, and then club races.

Rickard said the elite swimmers that visited him growing up made him realise how much you could achieve through swimming.

“It was those elite swimmers who inspired and motivated me to stay in swimming and reach my potential as an athlete and hopefully I can have that same effect on some kids today,” he said.

The Secretary from Redcliffe Leagues Club John Redd said the club is excited to have Brenton coming down to meet the young swimmers tonight.  

“The kids will be excited about meeting an Olympian and this will no doubt inspire each of them to chase their dreams. The opportunity to listen and learn first-hand from Brenton is invaluable encouragement to any young swimmer,” Redd said.

The fun won’t stop there for young Queensland swimmers with Lawnton Swim Club hosting triple Olympian Libby Trickett from 5:00pm tomorrow, Wednesday 17 October to join in the EnergyAustralia GO Swim action.

Trickett said showing people how much fun you can have while being healthy and active was one of the best parts about visiting clubs.

“I adore swimming so it's great fun for me to go out and visit clubs to share my love of the sport. Hopefully, through talking about my experiences in swimming I can help inspire others to get involved, get fit, make friends and have loads of fun!” Trickett said.

With an impressive 17 years on the Australian Swim Team between them, Rickard and Trickett have been swimming at the elite level for longer than most of the kids from Redcliffe Leagues and Lawnton Swim Club have been alive.

The knowledge passed down from these two Olympians and Australian Champions will no doubt encourage a new generation.

EnergyAustralia Director, Adrian Merrick, a proud supporter of GO Swim Month, said maintaining an interest in swimming and supporting members is important for clubs across Australia. 

“In partnership with Swimming Australia we will seek out new and innovative opportunities for our customers, to support elite Australian swimmers to achieve their goals and promote safe and healthy swimming for Australian families,” Mr Merrick says.

EnergyAustralia GO Swim days will continue throughout October, for more information on how to join a club or get involved in GO Swim activities, visit www.goswim.org.au