Swimmer wins exceptional junior

City of Mount Gambier & the Commercial Club combine to help young local athletes

Local swimmer Vaughn Stratford has been named the 2022 City of Mount Gambier Junior Sports Assistance Fund Exceptional Junior, receiving $1500 courtesy of the Mount Gambier Commercial Club. The Exceptional Junior award acknowledges exceptional commitment and skills to achieve excellence in their chosen sport. The awardee is selected based on their ability to reach their fullest potential and willingness to give back to their sport.

The 15 year old Tenison Woods College student is a member of the Mount Gambier Swimming Club, diving into competitive swimming in 2015 and he is currently ranked in the top five swimmers for 50m breaststroke, and top 10 for 100m breaststroke, 50m backstroke and 100m backstroke in South Australia. Vaughn is coming off some stunning success in the past two years including include travelling to Darwin for the Australian Country Championships, where he won two individual medals in breaststroke.

He was also invited to compete at the Long Course State Open Championships, where he was able to swim alongside some of Australia’s greatest Olympic swimmers, such as Kyle Chalmers, Matt Temple and Meg Harris. He also thrived in front of a home crowd at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre’s first major event, the January SA Country Swimming Championships, collecting two silver medals for the 50m and 100m breaststroke. Of courser that level of success takes hard work as well as natural ability.

“A typical week of training consists of six pool sessions, two gym sessions with the Limestone Coast Regional Sporting Academy and one Reformer Pilates session, with RISE,” Vaughn said. There is also the influence of coaches, fellow swimmers and the inspiration of elite swimmers guiding Vaughn as he makes his way.

“My coaches dad, Julie, and Haylea have been huge supporters of my swimming, at every training I am pushed and encouraged to be the best swimmer I can be,” Vaughn said. “Some of my fellow swim teammates have allowed me to see a different view of swimming, and we have created a great bond. We spend a lot of time together through all the trainings and meets we have attended and it’s always good to have some great teammates around you, because it can be hard at times.

“Like any teenager growing up you have idols for many different reasons, mine are many Olympic swimmers from Australia.” Another factor in the rise of Vaughn and other locally based swimmers is the access to the quality facilities at the newly opened Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.

“Wulanda has been one of the greatest things that could have happened to swimming in Mount Gambier,” Vaughn said. “We are now able to train in long course and short course pools. The stateof-the-art facility, and equipment allows Mount Gambier swimmers to swim and use one of the best pools in South Australia.”

Mount Gambier Swimming Club vice president Lauren Oxdale said Vaughn was not just a talented swimmer but also a stellar teammate.

“In addition to his many swimming successes, Vaughn is committed to giving back to the sport by coaching new and younger swimmers,” Lauren said. “Not only does he teach correct technique and provide insight into race requirements, but more importantly, he encourages swimmers to give their best.

“Vaughn leads by example, with outstanding sportsmanship, especially in the competition environment. He is very supportive of all swimmers in his club and other participants.” The award is funded as part of an annual donation of $3000 from Swimmer wins exceptional junior award the Mount Gambier Commercial Club to support junior sportspeople in the region. The 2022 award brings the Mount Gambier Commercial Club contribution to the fund to more than $46,000 over 22 years.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said the fund was very grateful for the ongoing support from the Commercial Club. “Thanks to this partnership with the fund, we have seen many local athletes supported to reach their fullest sporting potential,” the Mayor said. “We are very proud to support junior athletes to excel in their chosen sport. We wish Vaughn every success in his future.” Speaking of the future, Vaughn has a jam packed schedule moving forward this year.

“Over the next 12 months I will continue with my training, with the aim of achieving the National qualifying times for 2024 as well as continue with my strength and conditioning programs through the Limestone Coast Regional Sporting Academy,” he said.

He will also be Ccmpeting at targeted State meets such as the Short Course Championships, Long Course Championships, and Country Championship.

“I am also looking forward to gaining my Swim Coaching and Swim Instructor qualifications, to build on my current skills and qualifications,” Vaughn said. “I enjoy teaching and coaching swimming as I get to spend time with the younger swimmers and help build their skills and enjoyment of swimming.”

LENDING A HELPING HAND: Exceptional Junior Awardee Vaughn Stratford (centre) with Mount Gambier Swimming Club vice president Lauren Oxlade, Mayor Lynette Martin, and Commercial Club representatives Thomas Thulborn & Leigh Dowdell.

STAR POWER: Vaughn Stratford getting Olympian Madi Wilson’s autogrpah at the recent SA Country Swimming Championships at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre