Collaborative swim project an absolute splash

A THREE month pilot project, designed to accelerate the growth of Bendigo’s emerging swimming talent, is likely to be granted permanent status based on positive outcomes.

Project Velocity brought together 40 talented swimmers from Bendigo’s three competitive swimming clubs – Bendigo East, Bendigo Hawks Aquatic and Kangaroo Flat – in a collaborative high–performance environment designed to elevate regional athlete development.

The program provided participants with access to elite–level coaching, mentoring and technical support, including sessions with Olympians Josh Beaver and Tamsin Cook.

Continuing the momentum of the Swimming Bendigo, a focus of the program was on developing a ‘super network rather than a super club.’

Swimming Bendigo’s Adam Webb said the initiative aimed to explore how shared resources and aligned coaching philosophies could strengthen Bendigo’s pathway for swimmers progressing from state–level qualifying times to national benchmarks.

He said the pilot delivered valuable insights.

“As a pilot we set about understanding the opportunities that may exist for greater collaboration between clubs and how we can further develop a performance model that enables swimmers who are achieving QTs at state level can make the step up to National QTs,” Webb said.

Program coach and Olympian Beaver, who has ties to Bendigo, said the talent and potential within the region stood out immediately.

“The opportunity for swimming in Bendigo is incredibly clear,” he said.

“The standard of athletes coming through is impressive, and the commitment shown by the team up here is something to be proud of.

“It’s been fantastic to contribute to a program that’s helping unlock that potential.”

Cook, a two-time Olympian and former world junior 400-metre freestyle champion, was guest coach for the second Project Velocity session in early December at Bendigo East swimming pool.

Sharing her journey and helping young swimmers push their limits is something Cook is passionate about.

“It’s inspiring to see the progress Swimming Bendigo is making through collaborations like Project Velocity,” she said.

“Regional communities are the heartbeat of our sport, and initiatives like this give young athletes the chance to dream big and chase their goals.”

Webb also acknowledged the vital role community and industry support played in enabling programs like Project Velocity to thrive.

He highlighted the ongoing contribution of Fosterville Gold Mine, whose commitment to local sport continues to strengthen Bendigo’s swimming landscape through initiatives such as Project Velocity and its premier backing of the Fosterville Gold Swimming Super Series.

“Project Velocity will now undergo review, with findings to help shape future collaborative performance pathways for swimmers across the region,” Webb said.