LOCAL fund-raising efforts have helped propel Victoria Point swimmer Dylan Neil onto the world stage, with the 17-year-old set to compete at the Virtus World Swimming Championships in Bangkok from August 20-30.
Dylan will represent Australia in six individual events and several relays at the international competition.
His events include the 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, and 50m and 100m breaststroke.
His father, Damian Neil, said the community’s generosity had been overwhelming.
“What stood out most during a local fund-raising campaign to raise funds to get Dylan to the championship was the generosity of strangers and friends,” he said.
Some of that support came from Skippies at Victoria Point, where Dylan has worked in recent years.
It has already been a standout year for the young swimmer.
Dylan holds the Queensland records for the 100m freestyle and 50m backstroke in the 17-and-
under age group.
He is currently ranked number one nationally across all ages in the S18 category for the 50m and 100m freestyle.
The S18 class is for athletes with an intellectual and additional physical impairment.
In March, Dylan was named Queensland’s multi-class champion at the state school sports titles, and later this month he will represent the state at the national school games in Chandler.
“We are so proud of him,” Mr Neil said.
“He has been training and competing in swimming since the age of five.
“It has taught Dylan that if you train hard, the rewards will come.
“When he gets those medals, you can’t wipe the smile off his face.
“When he stands on the podium, all his work pays off.”
Dylan currently trains with the Brisbane Jets at Coorparoo three nights a week and works out at the fight4balance gym in Greenslopes two nights a week.
In March, he was named Australian Age Champion with the Jets club.
Looking ahead, Dylan is aiming to qualify for the World Special Olympic Games in Chile in 2027 and the Trisome Games in 2028.
Mr Neil said this year’s championships held special significance for Dylan and his family.
“His mum is Thai, and this will be the first time her family will see him compete,” he said.
“It’s given him a sense of self-belief and confidence he didn’t have, and he’s met people he wouldn’t normally have met.
“He has swum with neurotypical athletes he may not have had contact with otherwise.
“It’s expanded his horizons and he’s in the best shape of his life.”
