Olympians out in force as GO Swim Month kicks off in Queensland

By Gary Anderson

October 10 - Aspiring young swimmers across Queensland were treated to visits from some of Australia's top swimmers, including London 2012 medallists Brittany Elmslie and Emily Seebohm, as the second annual GO Swim Month made a splashing start Down Under.

Elmslie, part of the Australian women's 4x100 metres freestyle relay team that won gold at last year's Olympics, attended a GO Swim day at Helensvale Swim Club where she spent time with young swimmers, giving tips, taking part in a signing session and assisting with club relays.

Her teammate Seebolm, who claimed individual silver in the women's 100m backstroke at London 2012, joined in the GO Swim activities at the Redlands Swim Club while Katie Palmer, another member of the Australian Olympic squad, attended Dunlop Park's GO Swim celebrations.

Australian star Brittany Elmslie visited Helensvale Swim Club in Queensland

Woodford Swim Club opened its doors to dual Olympian, Melissa Gorman to help out with novelty races, autograph signing, a coaching clinic and a barbecue dinner.

GO Swim Month, which is run by national governing body Swimming Australia, encourages children to get involved in swimming by promoting the skills they will learn, and fun that they will have as part of a swim club, and last year saw almost 100 swimming centres across the country take part in the campaign.

As well as getting to meet some of Australia's top swimming stars, children will get to participate in a range of activities on the day including novelty races, skill sessions, BBQs, games and there will also be information sessions for parents.

Double men's 100m freestyle champion James Magnussen will be taking part in GO Swim Month this week

"We were truly humbled to have Mel Gorman at our clinic and our swimmers were in awe of her," said Dennye Baxter from the Woodford Swim Club.

"She spoke of her journey and gave many encouraging words to the attendees about swimming and reaching your goals.

"We gained 15 new members to our club and squad programme and also an additional five children to our stroke correction clinics as well."

Double world champion James Magnussen is the next big name set to get involved in Go Swim celebrations and he is due to appear at the Jones Tempe Torpedoes Swimming Club in New South Wales, tomorrow

For more information on Go Swim Month, which runs throughout October, click here.

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