National Records and International Bonds – Lene Lund Knudsen
From the outside, a Masters Swimming meet might look like just another competition. But for Lene Knudsen, her start in 2020 revealed something much deeper: a community that truly has room for everyone.
“My very first meet in Australia was a one-day Southside MSQ event at Chandler in 2020,” Lene recalls. “I went with my teammate, Kylie, and I remember meeting Christina, who had helped me over the phone to get our local club set up. It was just fun right from the beginning. I love that combination; there is room for that competitive side where you race your heart out, but it’s also friendly and social.”
What has kept Lene returning year after year is this unique balance of inclusivity. “It’s great to see people in their 80s and 90s still racing and having fun, and also to see the young ones who are moving away from elite swimming but still want a place where they can enjoy the actual sport. MSQ attracts all sorts—people with elite backgrounds, those just learning to swim regularly, and even those coming back from injury.”
For Lene, the memories stretch far beyond the lane ropes. The social calendar is just as vital as the race program. “There are so many trips away—the Gold Coast and Brisbane meets. We make a social plan around the swimming. Even at the World Masters in Singapore, it was amazing to see people from around the world taking it seriously while staying social. We know we’re not Olympians, but we love it.”
On paper, Lene’s achievements are elite. “Breaking the National Record in the 100 Fly was a highlight. Then there was the individual bronze medal at World Masters, and being named MSQ Female Swimmer of the Meet – I didn’t expect that one!”
Behind those results is a quiet discipline and a long road back from injury. Lene credits her success to a simple mantra: Stick to the plan, not your mood. “I do a lot of gym work now. Jacob Templeton is my coach at the SwimFit Squad at UniSC, and he also creates my gym programs. His motivation and challenges help bring out the best in me, fueling my passion for swimming and the gym, as well as my results.”
“Even when I was injured for a long time, I was still coming to the pool. I was just kicking on my back—super boring!—but I wanted to be there because the environment is so good. I didn’t want to miss out on the social side.”
As MSQ celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Lene sees the organisation as a vital framework for health and connection.“The meets are run so professionally, giving us the framework to compete and have fun. It’s a unique sporting environment in that it challenges you competitively but supports you personally, giving every swimmer the chance to find out what they’re truly capable of.”
