A Geelong Swimming Club superstar has put away her goggles after 20 years of forging a pathway for swimmers with disabilities.
Phoebe Mitchell inspired athletes of all abilities to achieve their goals and had broken close to 74 Down Syndrome World Records throughout her career.
Phoebe said she was sad to leave the Geelong Swimming Club (GSC), but she looked forward to what the future had in store for her.
“I’ve loved being part of the GSC. I’ve always felt included,” she said.
“I will miss so much about GSC, (but) I’m looking forward to new adventures. I’ve made life-long friends and memories.”
Phoebe is a three-time female world champion and has travelled the globe to compete in swimming competitions.
She said some of her favourite memories remained closer to home, including becoming GSC vice-captain in 2010 and being part of the club’s winning team in the 2022 Long Course Country Championships for the first time in 22 years.
President Glenn Benson said inclusion was important to the GSC and that Pheobe was welcomed as a life member last year.
“GSC is incredibly proud to have shared in Phoebe’s journey as an elite athlete and to have celebrated her achievements with her,” Mr Benson said.
Phoebe received her first World Record at the Down Syndrome International World Championships in Portugal in 2008 at age 17.
She currently maintains 10 open World Records, 10 masters World Records, 16 Oceania World Records, and multiple Australian records.
Phoebe said she loved being a part of the club as a swimmer and was grateful for the opportunities it provided her.
“Breaststroke and backstroke were my favourites, but definitely not butterfly,” she said.
“Thank you to all my swimming friends.”
