In the world of competitive swimming, records are made to be broken, and sometimes, they're shattered by the most unexpected of stars. This is the story of Nash Hawkins, a young swimmer who, on his sixth birthday, declared his intention to dive into the world of swimming, and now, at just 13 years old, has broken a 14-year-old record held by an Olympic champion.
The journey of Hawkins and his teammate, Ciara Nixon, is a fascinating one, showcasing the dedication, talent, and passion that can propel young athletes to the top of their game.
The Record-Breaking Moment
Nash Hawkins' breakthrough moment came at the 2026 Age Nationals, where he broke the 13-year-old boys' 200m breaststroke state and national record, previously held by Zac Stubblety-Cook, an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder. This achievement is particularly remarkable as Hawkins had set his sights on the record only after his coach mentioned it during the heat.
"I was thinking I'd try to get the record at the end of the year, but I realised after the heat, when my coach said so, I had a big shot at it." - Nash Hawkins
The record-breaking swim was a testament to Hawkins' ability to thrive under pressure, a skill he attributes to his natural talent and unwavering passion for the sport.
The Power of Passion
What makes Hawkins' story so compelling is his unwavering love for swimming. From his early days in the learn-to-swim program, he was always eager to return to the pool, a stark contrast to the typical perception of elite training regimens.
"I just always loved it. I kept on training, and I guess I'm naturally good at it and I have a real passion for it." - Nash Hawkins
This passion, according to Hawkins, is the driving force behind his success, a sentiment that resonates with many elite athletes. It's a reminder that talent, while important, is often nurtured and refined by an individual's dedication and love for their craft.
Ciara Nixon: A Rising Star
Ciara Nixon, another Corrimal Swim Club talent, is making waves of her own. Nixon, who gave up her beloved netball to pursue swimming more seriously, returned from the Age Nationals with an impressive seven medals, including four individual golds.
Her decision to focus solely on swimming was not an easy one, but the results speak for themselves. Nixon's journey highlights the importance of process-driven goals and the power of hard work and dedication.
A Small but Mighty Team
The success of Hawkins and Nixon is a reflection of the Corrimal Swim Club's dedication and hard work. Under the guidance of head coach Tracey Waters and team manager Kylie Wood, a small squad of 14 swimmers achieved remarkable results at the Age Nationals, bringing home a total of 10 medals and breaking two state records and one national record.
This achievement is even more impressive when considering the size of rival clubs across Australia. It's a testament to the power of a tight-knit team and the impact of individual dedication and talent.
Conclusion
The stories of Nash Hawkins and Ciara Nixon are a reminder of the incredible potential that lies within young athletes. Their journeys showcase the importance of passion, dedication, and the ability to thrive under pressure. As they continue to pursue their swimming dreams, we can expect to see more records broken and more stars rising to the top.
