Podcast Episode – Peter Tonkin

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who has dedicated his life to giving back to the sport that gave him so much. So please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Peter Tonkin.

Peter began his journey in swimming as a youngster and showed promise as a Breaststroke swimmer. Under the watchful eye of coach, Harry Gallagher, Peter swam with well-known swimmers of the time including Olympic swimmer, Dawn Fraser.

In 1964 Peter qualified to swim at the Tokyo Olympics winning a Bronze medal with his teammates for the medley relay. Peter also swam at the trails for the Mexico Olympics beating his rival in his pet event. The joy was short lived though as Peter’s was called up for National Service the following day.

After moving to Tasmania in 1979 Peter founded the Northern Suburbs Swimming Club at the Mowbray pool. After growing the club to be one of the largest swimming club in Tasmania Peter headed off to the Northern Territory where he spent 10 years teaching children of the indigenous communities to ‘Swim Fast’. Peter enjoyed getting the community involved in the children’s swimming and using the older teenagers of the community as role models and teachers for the younger kids. His work in the indigenous communities resulted in him receiving an Order of Australia Medal in 2019.

Peter is now back in Tasmania coaching and presenting aquatic courses as well as holding the role of President for ASCTA Tasmania. He still dedicates his time to swimming and building the industry.  

Through today’s episode Peter shares some great stories of his swimming journey, his career highlight of attending the Tokyo Olympics as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share what inspiration you draw from Peter’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors.

I am on the lookout for more aquatic journeys to share. No matter how big or small you think your story is we can all learn something from your experience so contact me via my email: regionalswimclinics@outlook.com to book a interview.

Keep a look out for a special episode on ASCTA trainers across Australia. With Summer on the way and Covid restrictions lifting, now is the best time to train your staff and have them Summer ready.

I have also developed a short survey to help us understand the needs of swim schools when it comes to training your staff and new recruits. Check out the Facebook page – Aquatic Mentors to complete the survey and help us build a better service around your swim schools training needs.

Now, let’s jump in and find out more about Peter’s journey in swimming.   

Peter Tonkin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptonkin/

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email - info@regionalswimclinics.com.au

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-van-eyk-261851124/