MSQ Official of the Year 2024
Lori Chaplin Named 2024 MSQ Official of the Year
Masters Swimming Queensland is proud to announce Lori Chaplin as the 2024 MSQ Official of the Year, in recognition of her exceptional leadership, commitment, and contributions to technical officiating across all levels of the sport.
The announcement and presentation were made by MSQ President, Susanne Milenkevich, at the recent Brisbane Southside Masters Swim Meet, held on Saturday 28 June at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. The moment was met with warm applause from swimmers, officials, and supporters, acknowledging Lori’s outstanding service to the Masters swimming community.
With more than two decades of experience, Lori has been a tireless advocate for officiating within swimming – not just in Masters, but also across Brisbane Swimming, Swimming Queensland, and Swimming Australia. Her impressive officiating résumé includes major international appointments, such as representing Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania at the Olympic 10km Marathon in Tokyo, and working at the 2022 World Short Course Championships in Melbourne and the recent 2024 Australian Olympic Trials.
Lori’s influence extends well beyond elite competitions. She plays a key role in coordinating school swimming from district to state level, and is deeply involved in grassroots and community-level development. Known for her professionalism, fairness, and integrity, Lori brings these qualities to every meet she supports.
Since joining the MSQ Board in 2023 in the role of Director of Technical Services, Lori has made a significant impact by building stronger links between Swimming Queensland officials and the Masters community. She has driven the delivery of officiating courses, supported the upskilling of officials, and provided invaluable mentoring to both new and experienced volunteers. Her calm guidance and depth of knowledge have contributed greatly to raising the standard and sustainability of officiating in Queensland.
In 2024, Lori was appointed to the MSA Technical Committee, where she continues her advocacy on a national scale. Her focus on expanding officiating opportunities, especially in regional areas, is helping to ensure a vibrant future for Masters officiating Australia-wide.
Lori has also spearheaded improvements in the management and rostering of technical officials for MSQ meets, streamlining processes and introducing more structured and efficient systems. Despite the challenges involved, her collaborative and steady approach has brought lasting positive change.
The MSQ Board, host clubs and swimmers across Queensland are deeply grateful for Lori’s dedication. Her efforts have helped create a professional, welcoming environment at our events, and her legacy will be felt for years to come.
Congratulations, Lori, on this well-deserved honour.
