Corrimal Swim Club teenager Nash Hawkins has shattered a 14-year-old national record held by Olympic gold medallist Zac Stubblety-Cook at the 2026 Age Nationals on the Gold Coast. The 13-year-old clocked 2:23.05 in the boys' 200m breaststroke, breaking the mark set by Stubblety-Cook, who also holds the world record in the event.
Hawkins, who turned 13 in January, collected three medals at the meet, while clubmate Ciara Nixon brought home seven. The pair combined for 10 medals, including four individual golds. Hawkins said he was not expecting the record, but after his coach told him he had a strong chance following the heat, he focused and delivered.
Hawkins began swimming at age six, joining the Corrimal Swim Club's learn-to-swim program on his birthday. He walked up to coach Tracey Waters and declared his intention to swim. Waters, now a recently-selected Swimming Australia development coach, has guided him from the squad level to national success.
Hawkins credited his ability to perform under pressure, saying his muscles work harder when the stakes are high. He trains up to nine pool sessions per week, plus gym and strength work, with his sights set on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Ciara Nixon, 13, also shone at the nationals, winning seven medals after deciding to focus solely on swimming at the end of 2025. She gave up netball, which she had played for seven years, to pursue her passion for butterfly and freestyle. Waters, who coaches both swimmers, has been instrumental in their development.
