Newington’s 2026 Swim Team takes to the pool for the final AAGPS Championship this Friday looking to better its outstanding 2nd overall place last year. Swim Captain Banjo B, and Vice Captains, Michael S and Utsav P explain what success looks like, and the importance of getting comfortable with discomfort in the pool. 

As a member of Newington’s Swim Team for the past five years, Banjo B grew up in the water at Stanmore. 

‘I joined the Swim Team in my second year at the College, after narrowly missing selection in Year 7,’ Banjo says. 

‘Having swum my whole life, I was eager to contribute my skills and be part of something bigger than myself.’ 

‘I had always admired the history of Newington swimming… Also, the sense of community within the team drew me in.’

Banjo P

Championship banners which adorn the Stanmore Aquatics Centre also incentivised Banjo. 

‘I had always admired the history of Newington swimming, symbolised best by the banners around the pool which show victories year by year. Also, the sense of community within the team drew me in. A supportive environment … led by disciplined senior role models who encouraged and motivated.’ 

Today that role of encouraging younger swimmers, many of whom are set to compete at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre for the first time on Friday, is something Banjo, Utsav and Michael take seriously. 

Says Michael, ‘our role as leaders is to help build a strong squad culture, and standards where everyone feels part of something bigger than their lane and themselves.  

‘Together, our job is to turn individual performances into collective success through unity, communication, leading by example and by illustrating that swimming isn’t just an ‘individual sport’ but something greater than ourselves. ‘ 

One necessary component of turning individual performance into team success, says Utsav, is following that blue line up and down the pool, clicking up many kilometres in training, before and after school. 

‘To someone who does not swim competitively, the blue line might look repetitive, but to us it represents discipline,’ he says. 

‘Following it lap after lap teaches consistency, patience, and mental toughness. You learn to focus for long periods, even when you are tired or bored, and that same focus carries into everyday life, especially during school,’ he says. 

‘Swimming trains you to push through discomfort and stay committed to a goal. The blue line builds habits that extend far beyond the pool, and when you finally achieve that time or placing, very few feelings can top that.’ 

The College has already tallied up some excellent results across the AAGPS competitions held earlier ths year. These include two new GPS records by Luke Lee in the Senior 200m Backstroke and Senior 400m Individual Medley. On the back of these impressive results, the leadership team is keen to bring home a trophy at the final GPS meet on Friday.  

However, concludes Utsav, success isn’t just measured by podium finishes or points on the scoreboard.  

‘Success looks like swimmers racing to their potential, supporting one another, and stepping up when it matters,’ he says.  

‘It’s ensuring every member of the team has become a better swimmer, achieving a new personal best and staying motivated…We want every swimmer, whether they’re chasing finals or swimming their first GPS race, to feel valued and supported. A positive team culture, strong encouragement from the stands, and pride in representing Newington will make the meet enjoyable for everyone involved.’ 

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The AAGPS Swimming carnival is at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Friday 27 February. Anyone from the Newington community is welcome to attend or watch the action on the the live link.