Published Mon, 5 Aug 2024
We had the honour of recently meeting with Belinda who is a well-known fixture and local squad legend at Prince Alfred Park Pool.
Belinda’s journey with swimming began in Coffs Harbour, where she grew up as a member of the surf club.
Winning her first race at the age of eight, Belinda swiftly advanced into squads, becoming a natural “water baby.”
As she entered early adulthood, Belinda travelled and lived overseas in many places including Japan, Dublin, Canada, and the UK. Despite her adventures abroad, her passion for swimming never waned.
Soon after returning to Australia around 10 years ago, one of her first priorities was to get back into swimming.
B: “A friend suggested I start ocean swimming. Almost immediately I was hooked – it reignited my love for swimming.”
She soon discovered Prince Alfred Park Pool and became a 360 Active member, which allows her to enjoy all the outdoor pools at the City of Sydney, including Victoria Park Pool and Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool.
Though she competes in ocean swimming, she always trains in the pool.
B: “To help with my training, I became a member of the Magic Masters, an adult squad program at Prince Alfred Park Pool, which I attend four to five times a week.
“The squads focus on stroke correction and form improvement, through short, sharp sets. Other sessions emphasise aerobic fitness, this ensures I get a good balance of technique and fitness.”
With a comprehensive training program at Prince Alfred Park Pool, Belinda's competitive spirit shines through in the Ocean Swim Circuit (a series of summer ocean swim competitions), where she usually comes first in her age group.
B: “I am especially proud of winning a bronze medal in the 3km Open Masters Championships held in Doha earlier this year.
“My next goal is to compete in the Waikiki Rough Water Swim in September.
Though most of her time is spent in squad training, Belinda also enjoys a social Saturday morning swim.
“On Saturday after our swim, a group of us enjoy a social get-together and coffee. Trust me, the coffee is just as important as the swim!”
So what makes Prince Alfred Park Pool such a special place for Belinda?
“The outdoor setting, clean and clear water, excellent facilities, and beautiful surroundings.
“The pool maintains a lovely 26 degrees, allowing me to swim all year-round, even at night.
“Living in Bondi, it's a short train ride away and then a 5-minute walk from Central Station.”
Belinda appreciates the relaxed atmosphere, where egos are left behind and respect is abundant.
B: “I find joy in every visit to the pool - I always walk out happier after I have been here.
“The strong sense of community and camaraderie with fellow swimmers, especially during social Saturdays, adds to my positive experience.
“Prince Alfred Park Pool is the place where I find happiness and fulfillment with every visit.”
