FROM Olympic stadiums to local aquatic centres, champion swimmer James Magnussen has dived into a new business venture, giving back to the younger generation of aspiring swimmers.
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Known as 'The Missile', Magnussen competed at Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and World Championships, collecting 15 medals and earning the title of World Champion for a five-year span.
Now retired from professional competition, Magnussen has started a business called 'The Swim Squad', that involves travelling around to rural communities and hosting clinics for aspiring swimmers. On Tuesday he conducted one at Bathurst's Manning Aquatic Centre.
"For me it was filling a gap in the market. Being in the position that I'm in, it's a great opportunity to give back to the younger generation," Magnussen said.
"To help nurture those next generational stars - particularly in rural and country areas, that's what I'm most passionate about."
Growing up in Port Macquarie, Magnussen's childhood was no different to most of the young swimmers who attended his clinic in Bathurst. He conveys the message that 'if he can do it, so can they'.
"There's no reason that they can't be in my position in another 10 years time," Magnussen said.
"I came from a very similar upbringing in Port Macquarie, a similar sized town with similar facilities, so there's nothing special or unique about my upbringing, it was just working towards that goal."
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While the the will to win was his best motivator, Magnussen says that consistency and persistence were the keys to his success.
"I was never the most talented swimmer at a young age, I was never the fastest swimmer at a young age, I was just very consistent with my training," he said.
"I had a dream to one day go to the Olympic Games and it was that persistence and consistency that got me there in the end.
"I would like to maintain a relationship with the local swimmers and one day have a swimmer, having been part of one of our programs, go on and swim at an Olympic Games or World Championships."