By Nick Creely
ONLY just over a month ago, Tooradin’s Josh Beaver was racing against the world’s fastest swimmers.
On Monday 3 October, Tooradin Primary School’s very own Olympic hero returned to his old school to share with students and his former teachers the experiences of the Rio Games.
As soon as the Olympian walked through the doors of his old school and recognised some former teachers, who he believes shaped aspects of his life, the community spirit within the young star shone bright.
The eager young students were glued to their seats, as the young swimmer answered their questions and spoke in-depth about his life, his sport and his experiences representing his country.
Children rushed to him as they sought a picture or an autograph that they could treasure forever.
Humility and care for others are values of Josh’s life which he attributes to growing up within a tight-knit community.
Speaking about his old school and hometown in a room in which his name is etched on the school’s honour board as the 2005 school captain, Josh simply couldn’t wipe the smile off his face when recounting his up-bringing.
“I love Tooradin.
“It’s always home for me and to come back to the school in which I grew up is a special experience.
“I lived here until I was 21, so Tooradin will forever be home to me, and it’s a place I hold very dear to my heart.
“I get back here as often as I can because it holds some very special memories.
“It’s been enormous for me the amount of support that Tooradin has shown me.
“Obviously, I love speaking to kids at school about chasing their dreams and a little about my journey in the Olympics, and I just want to give back to a community that gave so much to me.
“You know, I was once one of those kids at school who just sat there and admired sportspeople and I wanted to become one of them,” Beaver said.
Beaver, 23, competed at his first Olympic games in the 100m and 200m backstroke events, before bowing out in the semi-final, finishing 13th overall.
In his first 100m backstroke heat, Beaver swam an impressive 53.47 (3rd), in front of a large crowd.
Despite not making it to the finals, Beaver is one of a glitter of young Australian swimmers who will be chasing glory in Tokyo in four years.
Beaver found the experience at Rio to be a major thrill, but says his performance has made him hungrier to go to another level and represent his country at Tokyo 2020.
“I was honoured to be a part of the Australian team, and it’s something I will never forget.
“I made some lifelong friends and have met people who I think I’ll always stay in contact with.
“I wasn’t at the opening ceremony, but I attended the closing ceremony, and even though it was bucketing with rain it was just amazing.
“My first race, I was actually next to a Brazilian and all I could hear was the crowd cheering him on.
“I was in Lane 1, and I was really happy with how I swam.
Josh attributes his success to the love for the sport and has harboured ambitions about making the Olympics since his days in Tooradin.
“I’ve dreamt about this since I was about 12 when I first truly fell in love with the sport.
“I just love being in the water, and obviously doing something that you love is an honour and something I won’t take for granted.
But Josh chooses Usain Bolt as his biggest highlight of his experience, with the world-famous Jamaican sprinter stealing the show in Rio.
“I remember looking up to where the Jamaican building was and seeing Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell dancing in their underwear,” Beaver chuckled.
“But in all seriousness watching Usain Bolt run the 100m final in front of over 100,000 people was just remarkable to see.
Looking ahead, Beaver is currently enjoying a well-earned break but knows that the preparation for the next set of major tournaments is not far away.
“Going to the next level is something that I’m constantly aiming for.
“I’m only around 175cm tall, so I’ve had to work pretty hard to ensure I’m fast enough to compete.
“The four years are going to fly until the next Olympics, and I’ll be 27.
“Swimming isn’t going to last forever and I want to ensure I do everything I can while I’m in my prime.
“But I’m also really excited about the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018, and want to get myself right for that.
“Playing in front of my home crowd will be like a dream come true.
Through all the young champ’s achievements on the world’s biggest stage, Josh still believes in good old-fashioned hard work, care for others and never forgetting where you’ve come from.
