Sunshine Coast brothers Henry and Callum Simpson are achieving top results in their sporting careers in the surf and pool respectively, winning medals at their recent Australian championships.
The brothers are part of the Flinders Elite Athlete Program (FEAP) at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, which in 2023 mentors more than 40 student athletes in learning the skills, strategies and mindset to achieve their personal best in their sporting and academic pursuits to support their wellbeing.
Parents Bec and Nigel Simpson said they were proud of Henry and Callum’s efforts and appreciated the support from FEAP, noting the program had “helped our kids to compete at such a high level in their chosen sports”.
Callum’s training includes six swimming sessions per week on campus at the Flinders Aquatic Centre, coached by Sunshine Coast local Olympian Christopher Wright.
Henry Simpson in Year 12, a strong surf lifesaver and water polo player, won two Bronze medals and two Silver medals in the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships in Perth from 25 March to 2 April.
Brother Callum in Year 10 competed in the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast from 7-15 April where he won 4 Golds in the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle and the 200m Individual Medley. He also won 4 Silvers and 1 Bronze.
And Callum swam 4 Junior Australian Flipper Squad Qualifying times and set 4 new Australian Age Group records.
Callum went on to compete in his first Australian Open Championships from 17-20 April, which doubled up as the World Championship trials for the Australian Dolphin Para Squad, where he finished in fourth place overall in Opens in 50m and 100m freestyle.
Callum has since been selected to be a part of the Swimming Australia Para Swimming National Development Squad for 2023/24.
Father Nigel said, “We feel blessed that our children have come to Flinders for their whole schooling journey and appreciate all the care and effort by all.
“It certainly takes a village, and we thank Matthew Flinders Anglican College,” he said.
“Henry has grown so much in confidence this season and we can't thank the Flinders Elite Athlete Program enough, including Program Director, Ms Lauren Nourse, for all the support over the last few years.
“The efforts by Henry’s teachers to keep him updated on all his Year 12 work and help him schedule his Maths exam was above and beyond.
“Callum’s Year 10 teachers have also been amazing and so supportive.”
FEAP Director Ms Lauren Nourse, a professional netballer and assistant coach of the Queensland Firebirds, draws on her experience and insights as a top athlete to support students as they strive to juggle the demands and opportunities of their chosen sport with their academic goals.
Lauren said, "Callum and Henry are vibrant and valued members of our Flinders community.
“It’s wonderful to see their hard work and commitment pay off with so many exceptional results.”
To learn more about the Flinders Elite Athlete Program, please visit https://www.mfac.edu.au/learning/opportunities/flinders-elite-athlete-program/
