MSQ MC Swimmer of the Meet – Chelsea
Congratulations to Chelsea Stebbing of Brisbane Southside Masters, for being awarded the inaugural Female Multi-Class Swimmer of the Meet at the recent MSQ State SC Championships, held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre in April 2024. Chelsea is pictured receiving her trophy from MSQ President, Susanne Milenkevich. Well done Chelsea!
Thank you to Chelsea for sharing her swimmer story!
How did you first become involved with swimming? Chelsea started swimming as a toddler, always smiling underwater. She was a founding member of the Brisbane East, now Redlands Special Olympics Swimming Team. Her journey has taken her to two Nationals for Special Olympics on the Queensland Special Olympics swim team.
What do you love about swimming? For Chelsea, swimming is her “happy place”. It boosts her confidence, and she thrives on being surrounded by people who encourage her and genuinely care about her well-being.
When did you first join Masters Swimming? Chelsea joined Masters Swimming earlier this year after participating in a “come and try” session last year.
Most memorable swimming moment? Chelsea’s most memorable moments include winning a gold medal in a relay at her first Special Olympics Nationals and an individual gold medal at her second Special Olympics Nationals. Recently, she achieved 10 personal bests at the MSQ State Championships as a Multiclass Female Swimmer.
Favourite events? Chelsea loves competing in backstroke and freestyle events.
How often do you swim, and where? Chelsea swims at least four times a week. She trains with Special Olympics twice a week, swims at Manly two or three times, and at Chandler when possible.
What motivates and inspires you? Chelsea loves getting up early for swim training, driven by her passion for the sport.
Favourite things? Her puppies are among her favourite things.
Upcoming events you are swimming in? Chelsea is preparing for the Special Olympics Regional competition, the Brisbane Southside Masters Long Course Swim Meet, and she is keen to try the Pan Pacific Masters Games in November.
Can you share a little about your family? Chelsea has one older sister, one younger brother, a little niece, a little nephew, two whippets, and six cats.
Your Career? Last year, Chelsea trained as a lifeguard and worked at Manly Pool.
Other interesting/little-known facts about you? Chelsea is trialling snowboarding this year in August at Perisher. She has spent two years fundraising for LAPS FOR LIFE (youth suicide) and is involved in showing and lure coursing with her whippets, Sparrow and Twilight.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming a Masters swimmer? “GO FOR IT!!”
