The eyes of the nation turned to Adelaide as the 2025 Australian Swimming Trials made a triumphant return to the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Over six thrilling days, 592 of Australia’s best swimmers dived in, chasing personal bests, milestone achievements, and the ultimate prize - a coveted place on the Australian Dolphins Team, bound for the World Aquatics Championships and World Para Swimming Championships, both set to take place in Singapore later this year.
Amidst the roar of the home crowd, South Australia stood tall, delivering its strongest and most successful performance at an Australian Trials to date. 57 South Australian athletes, representing 12 proud clubs, took to the starting blocks, showcasing the depth of talent, determination, and passion growing across our state.
Leading the charge was Marion Swimming Club, contributing an impressive 22 athletes to the Trials. The team from Immanuel Piranhas followed with 9 athletes, while Norwood had 8, and Kent Town added another 6 to the mix. Clubs like STARplex, Purruna, and Southern Performance ensured a strong presence with multiple athletes, while Clovercrest, Henley & Grange, Onkaparinga, Tea Tree Gully, and Western Aquatic each proudly fielded competitors, adding to South Australia’s growing force on the national stage.
And what a statement they made.
11 South Australian swimmers delivered 21 A-Final appearances, with 9 athletes reaching B-Finals, and another 2 as first reserves for the A-Finals. But it didn’t stop there - the finals saw a flurry of medal-winning performances, with 9 podium finishes, including 5 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze, further cementing this Trials as one of the most memorable in South Australian history.
To understand the scale of this achievement, you only need to look back. In 2023, just 25 South Australians competed at the Melbourne Trials. That number rose to 29 in Brisbane last year. But in 2025, on home soil, 57 athletes proudly carried the state’s hopes, shattering personal bests and records and proving that South Australian swimming is on a sharp, unstoppable rise.
But it wasn’t just the swimmers doing South Australia proud. Behind the scenes, our dedicated team of 7 Technical Officials played a crucial role in ensuring the Trials ran smoothly, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Representing our state with pride were Greg Borgmeyer (Immanuel), Lorraine Burford, Rachel Butler (Marion), Malcolm Freak (Immanuel), Darren McLachlan (Marion), Max Richardson (Immanuel), and Peter Ryan (STARplex). Their expertise and commitment were vital to the success of this prestigious event, reinforcing that South Australia's impact extends beyond the pool lanes.
Among the stars was Brittany Castelluzzo from Tea Tree Gully, who opened South Australia’s campaign in the very first heat of the competition. Later in the campaign, all eyes were on her in the 200m Butterfly, and she did not disappoint. In a stunning display of determination, Brittany slashed nearly four seconds off her heat time to touch the wall in 2:06.91, claiming Gold and securing her debut spot on the Australian Dolphins Long Course Team. Her performance confirmed her place among Australia’s rising middle-distance talents - and ensured her name is one to watch in the years to come.
Long-distance specialist Molly Walker from Southern Performance also made waves, proving herself as one of the nation’s most exciting emerging athletes. Already a three-time Australian Age Champion, Molly tackled the brutal trio of the 400m, 800m, and 1500m Freestyle, lining up alongside the best distance swimmers Australia has to offer, including the formidable team from Queensland’s St Peters Western. Molly’s three A-Final appearances and relentless determination highlighted her incredible potential and her rising status on the national stage.
And then there was the man they still call the King of the Pool - Kyle Chalmers from Marion. His presence electrified the arena as he stormed to Gold in the 100m Freestyle by a clear margin, added a thrilling Gold in the 50m Butterfly with a new Australian Allcomers record of 22.89, and a hard-fought Silver in the 50m Freestyle. Year after year, Kyle proves that he remains one of Australia’s most dominant and reliable forces in the water.
Meanwhile, fellow Marion swimmer Matthew Temple, a name synonymous with speed and records, delivered a sensational 100m Butterfly performance. After qualifying second fastest, Matt unleashed his full power in the final, clocking 0.65 seconds faster than his heat to seize Gold, once again proving why he’s considered among the elite.
South Australia’s success extended beyond the able-bodied events, as our Multi-Class athletes lit up the pool with their grit, courage, and world-class performances.
Young gun Paige Duffy (S14), from Clovercrest, turned heads as one of the youngest competitors at the Trials. Over the course of seven events, Paige powered to get the Bronze medal in the 50m Backstroke with a time of 38.75, and firmly establishing herself as one of the state’s future stars.
The experienced Rowan Crothers (S10), representing Marion, demonstrated exactly why he remains a force in para swimming. After qualifying second fastest in the 100m Freestyle, Rowan delivered when it mattered, shaving time off his prelims to capture Gold, and adding another dominant performance in the 50m Freestyle.
It wasn’t just medals that defined South Australia’s campaign. Rising stars like Jasmin Fullgrabe (S9) of Marion, a member of the National Para Flippers Squad, made a powerful impression, while seasoned competitors Taylor Corry (S14) of Purruna, Tom Ainsworth (S10) of Southern Performance, and Emily Willett (S9) of Onkaparinga showed grit and class in every race.
From first timers to household names, South Australia’s swimmers came together to deliver a performance that left no doubt - we belong among the best, and our athletes are ready to take on the world.
For several of our elite performers, the Trials were just the beginning. As the international season kicks off, five South Australian athletes and three coaches will proudly represent Australia on the world stage.
Brittany Castelluzzo, Kyle Chalmers, and Matthew Temple are all set to don the green and gold at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Singapore from 11 July to 3 August, supported by top coaches Shaun Curtis from Marion and Craig Stewart from SASI.
Our Para Swimming pride, Rowan Crothers, will return to Singapore later this year for the World Para Swimming Championships, running from 21 to 27 September, alongside coach Kate Irvine (SASI).
Meanwhile, young gun Molly Walker will head to California to represent the Australian A Team at the prestigious Tyr Pro Swim Series in Irvine, from 5 to 8 August, with coach Craig Stewart again guiding the way.
The 2025 Australian Swimming Trials proved, beyond doubt, that South Australian athletes are not only competitive - but thriving - on the national stage. With finals appearances, medals, record-breaking swims, and world team selections, our swimmers have etched their names into history and inspired the next generation.
The message is clear: South Australia is ready, South Australia is rising, and South Australia is making waves—here at home and across the world.
Please note: Records and official results are still being ratified. We’ll share updates on our social media channels and update this article once finalised.
