A fear of water and a pre-existing lung condition have been no match for local resident Anthony Williams and his swimming goals, who is now preparing to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games.
Training four times a week in freestyle and backstroke with the support of his coaches at Redcliffe Memorial Pool, the approaching challenge is indicative of the momentum Anthony has built through sheer resilience.
“I’ve never competed at the national level and I’m determined to swim at my best,” Anthony said.
According to Anthony, he started out as a ten-pin bowler, but while facing his health challenges, he turned to swimming to improve fitness – discovering added benefits along the way.
“The friendships and the mentoring I receive from the coaches and athletes are inspiring to me,” he said.
Terry Bourke, Special Olympics swim coach, who has been there poolside to support Anthony, used “a tailored training program that leaned into his strengths”.
From Fear to Podium Potential
“When writing programs for Special Olympians, we go at their pace, embrace their strengths and encourage them to pick a specialty stroke,” Terry said.
Terry said of his first meeting with Anthony that “yes, he was initially scared of the water, but he bravely jumped in and just kept on going since then.”
To mark the beginning of his journey to the games, Anthony took on a special race against Redcliffe’s resident Olympian, venue manager and OAM Kylie Palmer.
“Coming from being frightened of water to racing a true athlete like Kylie Palmer has been my most memorable achievement,” Anthony said.
As part of his current training, Anthony takes part in one hour of one-to-one with his coach Terry and one hour in group training, partaking in a mixture of drills to help with stroke and endurance.
According to Terry, Anthony’s training is going really well, and he “thinks he can certainly win a medal in 2026 at the Australian Special Olympics, as he is very dedicated.”
“My message to everyone is not to let anything hold you back – swimming’s given me opportunities I never thought I would have,” Anthony said.
Find out more about Redcliffe War Memorial Pool.
Learn more about Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to social inclusion.
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