Charlotte is a lifelong swimmer who has shown incredible dedication to the sport - from early mornings and tough training sessions to achieving some amazing milestones, including becoming a national champion at the 2025 Australian Age Nationals and representing Queensland at the Junior Olympic Cup in Japan. Swimming has shaped Charlotte both in and out of the pool, teaching discipline, resilience, and a passion for growth, and she’s now striving to take her backstroke to the elite international stage with dreams of representing Australia at major events.
I’ve been a swimmer for as long as I can remember, and the sport has played a huge role in shaping who I am today. I started swimming at a young age, and over the years, it’s taught me discipline, commitment, and the importance of pushing through challenges—both in and out of the pool. Swimming requires early mornings, tough training sessions, and constant mental focus. There have been highs and lows—wins, losses, plateaus—but each experience has made me stronger and more focused. I’ve learned how to manage my time, stay motivated, and work both individually and as part of a team. Where I am today is the result of years of hard work, support from coaches and teammates, and a deep love for the sport. I’m proud of my journey so far, and I’m excited to keep growing—not just as a swimmer, but as a person shaped by everything swimming has taught me.
One of my favourite things about being a backstroke swimmer is the unique rhythm and feel of the stroke. There’s something really smooth and controlled about gliding on your back while still pushing yourself to be fast and powerful. I love the fact that backstroke combines technique, timing, and strength in a way that’s different from the other strokes. I also enjoy the strategy involved—it’s not just about speed, but also maintaining a consistent tempo, good underwater work, and strong finishes. Starts and turns in backstroke are especially fun to work on. Nailing a good start or a clean turn feels really rewarding. Overall, backstroke just fits my style of swimming and brings out the best in me.
One of the biggest accomplishments in my athletic career has been winning gold at the Australian Age Nationals in 2025, and becoming a national champion. That was a huge moment for me—it represented all the hard work, early mornings, and perseverance I’ve put into swimming over the years. Hearing my name announced as the winner and standing on the podium was an unforgettable experience. Another proud moment was being selected to represent Queensland at the Junior Olympic Cup in Japan. Being chosen to compete internationally was an incredible honor and gave me the chance to race against top swimmers from around the world. It pushed me to a new level and showed me how much I love competing at the highest standard. Both of these experiences have been highlights in my journey so far and have motivated me to keep aiming higher in my swimming career.
In the next five years, I envision myself continuing to grow and compete at an elite level as a backstroke swimmer. My goal is to represent Australia on the senior international stage—whether that’s at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, or even the Olympics. I want to keep improving my technique, building strength, and becoming faster and more consistent in my races. Beyond just performance, I also want to become a more well-rounded athlete—mentally stronger, more experienced under pressure, and a positive influence on younger swimmers coming through the sport. Backstroke is my passion, and I’m committed to pushing my limits and seeing how far I can take it.
Yes, I’ve definitely faced setbacks throughout my athletic career—like most athletes do. One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with periods where my performance didn’t reflect the hard work I was putting in. Whether it was just missing a final, not hitting a PB when I expected to, or feeling stuck in training, those moments were tough mentally. There have also been times when injuries or illness forced me to step back and be patient with my body, which isn’t always easy when you’re so focused on improvement. But I’ve learned that setbacks are part of the process. They’ve taught me resilience, patience, and how to stay focused on the bigger picture—even when things don’t go to plan.
If I could give advice to my younger self, I’d say: trust the process and don’t be so hard on yourself. Progress takes time, and not every race or training session will go perfectly—and that’s okay. What matters most is consistency, staying positive, and remembering why you started. I’d also remind myself to enjoy the journey more. It’s easy to get caught up in times, results, and pressure, but some of the best moments come from friendships, travel, and the feeling of pushing your limits—not just the medals.
I actually started out as a butterfly swimmer in my younger years. It was my main stroke for quite a while, and I really enjoyed the power and rhythm of it. But over time, as I developed and experimented with different strokes, I started to find a natural connection with backstroke. My coaches began noticing that I had strong technique and good feel for the water on my back, especially with my underwater work and kick. I started training more seriously in backstroke and began competing in it more often. As my results improved, I gained confidence and really fell in love with the stroke. Switching focus to backstroke was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my swimming career. It allowed me to find my strengths and really grow into the swimmer I am today.
I think the keys to success for anyone looking to follow a similar pathway are consistency, patience, and a strong work ethic. Success in swimming doesn’t happen overnight—it’s about showing up every day, even when it’s hard, and putting in the work over time. Training sessions, recovery, nutrition, and mindset all matter. Another big key is staying coachable. Listening to feedback, being open to learning, and trusting the process is so important. I’ve also found that having clear goals and a strong “why” keeps you motivated through both the highs and the setbacks. Finally, surround yourself with supportive people—coaches, teammates, family—who believe in you and push you to be your best. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. Loving what you do makes all the difference.
Managing life and training balance is definitely a challenge, but it comes down to good planning and staying organised. I make sure to set a schedule that prioritizes both my training sessions and my personal time, including school, family, and rest. I’ve learned that recovery and downtime are just as important as the hard work in the pool, so I try to listen to my body and avoid burnout. Communication is key too—I keep my coaches and family in the loop about how I’m feeling and any challenges I’m facing. Ultimately, it’s about finding balance, staying flexible, and remembering why I love swimming. When I keep that perspective, it helps me stay motivated and maintain a healthy balance between training and life.
What made me interested in PainPod was actually trying it out at a recovery centre. I was impressed by how effective and convenient it felt during my recovery sessions. As an athlete, managing muscle soreness and speeding up recovery is crucial, so when I experienced the benefits firsthand, I knew it could be a great tool to help me perform at my best. The combination of technology and ease of use really stood out to me, and I’m excited about how PainPod can support athletes like me in training harder and recovering smarter.
I incorporate PainPod into my training and recovery routine by using it regularly after intense workouts or competitions to help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery. It’s easy to use and fits well into my schedule, so I can get targeted relief without interrupting my day. Using PainPod helps me recover faster, which means I’m able to train consistently and maintain my performance levels. It’s become an important part of my routine to keep my body feeling fresh and ready for the next session.