Binny News
Latest from Binny and the Masters Swimming community
When a physiotherapist suggested swimming to ease a chronic back injury, Michael Kettewell faced a significant hurdle: he had never actually completed a single lap of a pool. A former footballer, Michael was simply looking for a way to stay active after his injury sidelined him from the field.
“I never swam as a kid at all," Michael admits. "I would have swum my first lap of a pool in 2021 when a physio said it would be good for my back.”
What began as a quiet, steady rehabilitation at his local Lawnton pool quickly evolved into a remarkable competitive odyssey. Without a coach or a formal squad, Michael took his training into his own hands—literally. He built his stroke from the ground up using the modern athlete’s ultimate toolbox: the internet.
“I haven’t ever had a coach or a squad. I’ve just sort of taught myself through YouTube and asking lots of questions,” he says. “I first started doing lap swimming in the public lanes while my son was a squad swimmer. I cannot tell you how many hours I must have spent on YouTube trying to learn!”
The spark for competition came from watching his son, Hayden, race. Realising he had a “competitive void” to fill after retiring from football, Michael entered his first meet at the Brisbane Northside Masters swim meet at the Valley Pool in August 2023. Though it was his first exposure to competitive swimming, the atmosphere immediately resonated with him.
“The atmosphere that day was pretty friendly and relaxed. It could have been more daunting than it was, but from officials to fellow competitors, it was friendly, inclusive and relaxed.”
Michael highlights the unique culture of Masters Swimming Queensland (MSQ) as the key to his rapid progression. He describes the events as a "pro swimmer experience" that remains deeply personal. “There are sometimes big races on the line, but everyone is so happy for each other before and after the race, which is great.”
That drive propelled him further than he ever imagined. Just a few years after that first tentative lap, Michael qualified for the Masters Swimming World Championships in Singapore.
“From a pride perspective, I managed to qualify for Worlds last year. I really was the only person I met at Worlds with that story," he says. "Everyone else came from a very strong swimming background... so from a personal pride perspective, that would have to be a highlight.”
Despite his international success, Michael remains humble, noting that he is still "winging it" and perfecting strokes like backstroke and butterfly through trial and error at his current club, Ipswich Grammar. Central to his journey is a deep respect for the MSQ community that made his rise possible. He urges new swimmers to embrace a spirit of gratitude, especially toward the volunteers.
“Yes, trying hard and winning medals, but also doing it in a friendly spirit," Michael concludes. "The volunteers do an amazing job, and these are all-ages opportunities where you can go from squads to Masters and continue your love of swimming over the years.”
Michael Kettewell’s story is a powerful reminder for the MSQ 50th Anniversary: it is never too late to start, and with enough curiosity and a supportive community, the "first lap" can lead all the way to the world stage.
For Don Taylor from Toowoomba Masters, 25 years with Masters Swimming Queensland (MSQ) has become something much bigger: a way to stay connected to his family, his community, and a sport that keeps giving back.
“I’m on both the coaching and swimming side of things,” Don says, with his characteristic warm smile and a broad range of medals on the wall behind him. In over a quarter of a century with MSQ, that dual role has taken him from his own training lanes to pool decks around Queensland; supporting triathletes, mentoring new swimmers, and now sharing the water with his sons.
Recently, this meant travelling west to a rural clinic.
“Two weekends ago, I had the opportunity to go to Goondiwindi and run a coaching clinic for the swimmers,” he recalls.
“My sons are participating in triathlons and are looking to increase their skills in competitive swimming. It was such a great experience to have my boys involved. They weren’t keen swimmers when they were young,” he laughs, “but they can swim all right now and can definitely beat their dad.”
What keeps Don coming back year after year is the way MSQ weaves into the rest of his life. The pool is not just a training venue; it’s a place where family stories unfold.
One of his favourite highlights came at the 2008 State/Nationals at Chandler Aquatic Centre in Brisbane, when all the threads of his swimming life pulled together for a single race.
“We had the State/Nationals competition in Brisbane, and at the time, my two boys were at university. I was living in Cairns, and they were in Toowoomba, but they signed up and came to the meet. We organised for all three of us to be in the same heat for the 50 freestyle race, and it was so much fun racing alongside my sons. That was a real highlight in my swimming career.”
Like many long-term MSQ swimmers, Don’s story is as much about the community as the competition. His week now includes sessions with an adult squad packed with triathletes—people who can run and ride for hours but are still learning to feel at home in the water.
“Triathletes… they run and bike really fast, and then they get in the water, and it’s a whole different world,” he explains, “They try to swim fast, but I’m always telling them to slow their arms down.”
MSQ has taught Don that speed comes from patience and good technique, not just effort. It’s a lesson he passes on, lap after lap.
“I train twice a week with them, and it works me hard, but yeah, it’s just always great.”
As MSQ celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Don’s 25-year journey is a reminder of what the organisation does best: keeping people in the sport they love, for life. Well-run meets, friendships on the pool deck, the chance to keep learning, and the joy of seeing the next generation find their own stroke—all of it adds up to something more than a training program.
For Don, it has meant watching two sons become confident triathletes, sharing a nationals race with them, and knowing that even as they can now beat him to the wall, they’re still coming back to Dad—and to MSQ—for advice, connection, and a lifetime love of the water.
From the outside, a Masters Swimming meet might look like just another competition. But for Lene Knudsen, her start in 2020 revealed something much deeper: a community that truly has room for everyone.
“My very first meet in Australia was a one-day Southside MSQ event at Chandler in 2020,” Lene recalls. “I went with my teammate, Kylie, and I remember meeting Christina, who had helped me over the phone to get our local club set up. It was just fun right from the beginning. I love that combination; there is room for that competitive side where you race your heart out, but it’s also friendly and social.”
What has kept Lene returning year after year is this unique balance of inclusivity. “It’s great to see people in their 80s and 90s still racing and having fun, and also to see the young ones who are moving away from elite swimming but still want a place where they can enjoy the actual sport. MSQ attracts all sorts—people with elite backgrounds, those just learning to swim regularly, and even those coming back from injury.”
For Lene, the memories stretch far beyond the lane ropes. The social calendar is just as vital as the race program. “There are so many trips away—the Gold Coast and Brisbane meets. We make a social plan around the swimming. Even at the World Masters in Singapore, it was amazing to see people from around the world taking it seriously while staying social. We know we’re not Olympians, but we love it.”
On paper, Lene’s achievements are elite. “Breaking the National Record in the 100 Fly was a highlight. Then there was the individual bronze medal at World Masters, and being named MSQ Female Swimmer of the Meet - I didn't expect that one!”
Behind those results is a quiet discipline and a long road back from injury. Lene credits her success to a simple mantra: Stick to the plan, not your mood. “I do a lot of gym work now. Jacob Templeton is my coach at the SwimFit Squad at UniSC, and he also creates my gym programs. His motivation and challenges help bring out the best in me, fueling my passion for swimming and the gym, as well as my results.”
“Even when I was injured for a long time, I was still coming to the pool. I was just kicking on my back—super boring!—but I wanted to be there because the environment is so good. I didn’t want to miss out on the social side.”
As MSQ celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Lene sees the organisation as a vital framework for health and connection. “The meets are run so professionally, giving us the framework to compete and have fun. It’s a unique sporting environment in that it challenges you competitively but supports you personally, giving every swimmer the chance to find out what they’re truly capable of.”
Lene receiving her award for Female Swimmer of the Meet at the 2025 MSQ State Championships.
Lene winning a Bronze medal in the 50m Butterfly at the 2025 World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore.
An inspiring story of family, strength and community.
We are incredibly proud of Clinton Stanley, a valued member of Noosa Masters, and his wonderful family for their outstanding efforts raising funds for Dementia Australia.
Clinton’s commitment to supporting people living with dementia — and honouring his dad — is something truly special. 
His actions truly reflect the spirit of fitness, friendship and fun.
This video is shared in support of Dementia Australia. You can support Clinton’s fundraising efforts here:
fundraising.dementia.org.au/fundraisers/clintonstanley
Well done Clinton — we are so proud of you and your family.
Located in the heart of Brisbane’s arts & entertainment precinct, Rydges South Bank is the perfect base for your Nationals experience. Here’s why:
- Registration hub right in the hotel foyer
- Shuttle bus pick up & drop off point
- Easy walk to the Welcome Function
- Short stroll to the BCEC for the Presentation Function
- Morning coffee sorted at the onsite CBD Café
- Unwind and relive the day’s events at Soleil Pool Bar
Exclusive Offer: Championship attendees can access an exclusive Bed & Breakfast rate!
Book your stay now: https://nats2026.mastersswimmingqld.org.au/venue...
Thank you to @rydgessouthbank for supporting Masters Swimming Queensland in delivering an unforgettable event for swimmers and supporters.
Entries are filling fast for the 2026 MSA National Championships in Brisbane!
Brisbane Aquatic Centre is the place to be this year when swimmers from across the country and the world will hit the water for an unforgettable short‑course showdown. The atmosphere will be buzzing at this world-class venue and with AOE timing system there's sure to be plenty of records broken!
We've hit over 200 entries already and the entries keep rolling in!
MSQ reserves the right to close event entries early if sessions become oversubscribed or the day reaches capacity due to venue time constraints. So don't miss out! Dive in now and secure your place via the MSA website:
https://nats2026.mastersswimmingqld.org.au/
MSQ are excited to highlight Kieser, a valued partner of the 2026 MSA National Championships.
Kieser, can help you reduce pain and build strength with their unique mix of physiotherapy and strength training. Their fully qualified team works closely with you to improve your strength, helping you move more freely so you can continue to enjoy the activities you love. They focus on your long-term health, creating personalised programs to help you lead an active, healthy life. 🏊♂️💪
📍 Onsite at the Championships
The Kieser team will be at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre every day of the Championship pool events, offering:
✨ 10‑minute musculoskeletal screening assessments
✨ Targeted treatment and expert advice
Whether you're chasing a PB or just keeping your body performing at its best, the Kieser team is here to support you throughout Nationals 2026.
We’re excited to share some fantastic news — Education Geographics has joined us as a Silver Sponsor for the 2026 Masters Swimming Australia National Championships and as the Naming Rights Sponsor for the 400m Freestyle.
Education Geographics are experts in demographic analysis for schools, helping education leaders plan, manage and market smarter. Their team of statisticians, demographic profilers and spatial analysts uncover who your families are, what they value, where to find more like them and how best to reach and support them. They turn complex data into clear insights that drive smarter decisions and sustainable growth.
Founder and Executive Chairman, John Black, is a proud member of Element Masters in Queensland who is competing at the Championships and is an avid E1000 swimmer.
We’re thrilled to have Education Geographics’ support as we celebrate 50 years of Masters Swimming in 2026!
Check them out at: https://www.educationgeographics.net.au/
If your business is interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2026 Championships, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Gaby at MSQ at events@mastersswimmingqld.org.au.
