Local swimmer to make a big splash on the world stage

With the help of a Sunshine Coast Council Individual Development Grant, local swimmer Liam Schluter will soon be heading to Rio to compete in the 2016 Paralympic Games.

Community and Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said council was proud to support Liam’s swimming career.

“Being selected in the Paralympic team is a huge achievement and we’re thrilled for Liam,” Cr McKay said.

“Council provided a $350 Individual Development Grant to help fund Liam’s participation in the 2016 Australian Swimming Championships.

“His outstanding results at these championships secured him a place in Australia’s Paralympic team for Rio.

“I’m sure the whole Sunshine Coast community will be cheering Liam on when he competes at the Paralympics later this year.”

Liam’s mother Michelle Schluter said receiving this grant was extremely helpful.

“Liam has been swimming since he was two-years-old,” Michelle said.

“He started at the Kawana Aquatic Centre and I believe he’s the first swimmer to go through from grassroots level to being chosen for the Olympics.

“As any parent knows, there is a big financial commitment when supporting your children to follow their dreams and grants like this are invaluable in helping us to support Liam.

“Often swimmers are successful in sprinting or endurance, but Liam swims competitively in all strokes and over distances ranging from 50 metres in freestyle right through to five kilometres in open water.

“Liam has a rare talent, he does it all, and that's what makes him so unique.

“We can’t wait to see him compete in Rio.”

Liam’s favourite event is the 200m freestyle. He is currently the second fastest in Australia for this event and recently won a bronze medal at the British Paralympic trials in Glasgow.

Liam is the current Australian record holder for his disability in the 200m individual medley, the second fastest in the 100m backstroke and the third fastest in breaststroke.

Liam’s current world rankings (as at May 23, 2016)

1st400m freestyle

6th  200m freestyle

8th  100m freestyle

9th  200m individual medley

13th  100m backstroke

30th  100m breaststroke

Individual Development Grants provide support to Sunshine Coast Local Government Area residents who are performing, competing or presenting at national or international competitions, conferences or events in sport, art, cultural, community, heritage, economic or environment.

Visit council’s website for more details or to apply for an Individual Development Grant.