Teenager to swim in eight events at Tokyo Deaflympics

GEELONG swimmer James Logan will have a busy schedule when he represents Australia at the 100th anniversary of the Deaflympics in Tokyo in November.

The Deaflympics, which take place every four years, are a multisport event for deaf athletes that started in France in 1924.

It is the highest level of competition for deaf athletes across the world, and the games feature accessible communication and starting lights and flags, rather than the traditional starting signals.

The 18-year-old, who is a member of the Melbourne Swimming Club’s Geelong branch (MSC Geelong), was one of only 13 Australian athletes selected to compete in Tokyo.

He will compete in eight events, with distance racing being his favourite.

“I enjoy the 400-metre freestyle and 200m butterfly. The longer events give me time to build speed during the race,” he said.

The swimmer, who trains eight times per week, attributed his success to the support of his teammates and an inclusive club culture.

“My squad are always there for me and explain the program to me when I need help,” he said.

Logan has enjoyed state and national success since he started swimming when he was eight years old.

At the Victorian Age State Championships in December 2024, he was awarded male multiclass swimmer of the meet and currently has 12 Australian S15 records under his belt.

He will head to Brisbane this month for the Australian Swimming Championships.

In 2023, he was selected for the Deaf World Championships where he and the Australian relay team secured bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

Coach Lucky Weerakkody said the club was incredibly proud of Logan.

“His results are a testament to the success of our program and his commitment to his sport,” he said.