James Magnussen shows the young swimmers some pointers at Moruya Pool. Photo: Alex Rea.
The South Coast’s up and coming swimmers have had a chance to learn from three of their Olympic heroes in a special swim class held at Moruya Pool on Monday.
In a four-hour coaching session, former world champion freestyler James Magnusson, backstroker Josh Beaver, and freestyler Jarrod Poort donated their time to support the local swim club and help kids recover from bushfire-related trauma.
Under smokey skies, around 70 kids attended the special clinic to glean a few tips.
“Having James, Josh and Jarrod [here] was a great boost to our kids,” President of the Moruya Amateur Swimming Club Jo Piggott said.
“After everything we have been through the past couple of months, to have them here sharing their knowledge and experiences was absolutely amazing. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”
The 29-year-old Magnussen was 100m freestyle world champion in 2011 and 2013 before retiring in mid 2019. Jarrod Poort represented Australia in the 1500 metre freestyle at the 2012 Olympics in London and the 10 kilometre marathon swimming event at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. While Josh Beaver competed at the 2016 Olympics in the 100 metre and 200 metre backstroke.
Olympians Jarrod Poort and Josh Beaver on the pool deck at Moruya. Photo: Alex Rea.
For the three former Olympians, who had held a similar event at Cobargo the day before, it was important to give to communities that had suffered during the summer’s bushfires.
“I think, given the current circumstances and what’s happened here with the fires, that’s the right thing to do,” said Magnussen.
About 70 young swimmers from the Moruya area came to share in the training.
“This has been one of the biggest clinics yet,” said Magnussen.
“It’s a passion of mine, visiting regional areas. I’m always on the look-out for talented swimmers.”
Around 70 young south coast swimmers attended the coaching session at Moruya pool. Photo:Alex Rea.
The clinic was organised by Moruya Swimming Club with support from the Eurobodalla Shire Council and pool managers Eurobodalla Aquatics.
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