Sunshine Coast Grammar Swimming Club achieved outstanding success at the 2025 Queensland Open Water Swimming Championships, held on 25 October at the Oz Ski Resort in Coolum. With 20 club swimmers, including 12 current Grammar students, competing across the day in 2.5km, 5km and 7.5km races, the Club secured eight State medals and 23 Wide Bay medals.
Among the standout achievements was Year 11 student Rylee Smith’s debut on the international stage. Selected to represent Swimming Australia in the Women’s 7.5km event as part of the Australian Junior Pan Pac’s Team, Rylee placed second in Queensland and first in the Wide Bay region.
In the lead-up to the Championships, Rylee and Head Coach Luke Stafford were selected to attend the Junior Pan Pac Open Water Swimming Camp, a prestigious opportunity to refine race strategies and train alongside top junior swimmers from around the world.
The Club also celebrated a series of exceptional performances across multiple age divisions, with seven additional swimmers earning State medals:
- Estelle Collins claimed bronze in the 14 Years 2.5km.
- Year 11 student Cerys Davis secured bronze in the 17 Years 7.5km.
- Sampson Gee earned bronze in the 15 Years 2.5km.
- Year 12 student Will Jeffrey placed second in the 17 Years 10km.
- Mason Kopff claimed second in the 14 Years 5km.
- Year 10 student Kody Stafford placed third in the 15 Years 5km.
- Year 10 student Lola Sushames placed third in the 15 Years 2.5km.
These results highlight the Club’s depth of talent and the athletes’ ability to thrive in one of the sport’s most demanding disciplines. Director of Swimming and Head Coach, Luke Stafford, said the results reflected the team’s commitment and resilience.
“Our swimmers and coaches have once again demonstrated their incredible dedication, strength and sportsmanship. We are so proud of their achievements.”
With a tradition of excellence in open water events, Sunshine Coast Grammar Swimming Club continues to build a legacy of resilience and high performance.