ADF members have made a splash on the national stage with the ADF Swim Sports Association fielding its first representative swimming team.
The team of 16 travelled to Brisbane to compete in the 2026 Masters Swimming Australia National Championships - a landmark moment for Defence sport and the newly formed ADF Swim Sports Association.
Despite entering the championships as newcomers, the ADF athletes delivered an impressive debut campaign, returning with a strong medal haul, numerous personal bests and invaluable experience competing at the national level.
Relay events proved particularly successful, with the team combining speed, teamwork and determination to secure medals across 10 events. Team achievements were bolstered by strong individual performances, with swimmers excelling in their respective age categories to claim 21 podium finishes.
Standout Navy participants included Lieutenant Dana Richards, who claimed gold in the 1.5km open water event, along with three additional medals in individual pool races.
Seaman Todd Barlow also impressed, securing bronze medals in the 200m and 400m freestyle events, while also contributing to medal-winning relays.
Lieutenant James Christensen competed in nine pool races across the week and the 3km open water race, crossing the line second in his age group.
"Being part of the first ADF swim team was an historic moment," Lieutenant Christensen said.
"It helped form lasting relationships and built a strong esprit de corps within the ADF swimming community."
'Competing alongside personnel from all three services reinforced the strength of Defence sport and the bonds that form when we train and compete together.'
Army athletes also performed well throughout the week. Highlights included Corporal Maria Mowbray's four gold medals in the 25m backstroke, 200m individual medley, 800m freestyle and 1.5km open water race.
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Craig's performance in the 1.5km open water race earned him a gold medal in his age bracket and second overall across the line.
Other performances of note included Private Joshua Hutchins, who showcased his versatility by securing multiple podium finishes across different relay events, and Corporal Alexandra Schafer, who recorded personal best times and contributed to several successful relay teams.
"Representing the ADF at a national championship was a proud moment," Corporal Schafer said.
"Competing alongside personnel from all three services reinforced the strength of Defence sport and the bonds that form when we train and compete together."
One of the standout moments of the championships came courtesy of Air Force's Aircraftman Luke Brennan, who finished the 50m butterfly in 26.82 seconds. The effort not only earned him a bronze medal, but was also one of the fastest swims of the meet by an ADF athlete.
Wing Commander Kylie Graham also showed off her skills across the week and delivered an exceptional result in the 800m freestyle, knocking 2m30s off her previous best time.
"To have the ADF formally represented at a Masters National Championship, and to do so under the new Swim Sports Association Framework, is a significant achievement," Wing Commander Graham said.
"The results are outstanding and importantly it demonstrates a clear appetite and capability for swimming to be sustained as an ongoing Defence sport. We are looking forward to building on this momentum and representing the team again at the next competition."
The ADF Swim Sports Association was established to provide competitive opportunities for serving and reserve members who are passionate about swimming.
