Mack Horton becomes School Sport Victoria Ambassador

School Sport Victoria has announced that Olympic swimming Gold Medallist Mack Horton has joined its exclusive group of ambassadors.

Describing Horton as a "perfect fit" for the role,  School Sport Victoria interim Chief Executive Nick Mooney explains “Mack is an inspirational athlete and a passionate advocate for school sport and students in schools across our nation.”

Mack Horton is one of Australia’s most successful elite athletes. The Olympic and Commonwealth Games Gold medalist started his illustrious swimming career while in school, making his first international debut as a 13 year old, breaking the first of many Australian records as a schoolboy.

Destined for greatness but with a grounded perspective when it comes to his international success, Horton states that he felt a similar sense of achievement from winning his school championships as he did an Olympic Gold Medal. 

Horton cherishes his school sport memories, recalling “Team Vic and School Sport Victoria has been a major part of my swimming journey. Going away with the Team Vic team was the start of my swimming pathway and gave me the understanding that I could take my sport further.”

 Horton overcame a fear of water at age 11, and less than two years later he broke his first of many Swimming World Records, achievements that are likely to inspire the next generation of emerging athletes.

He adds “meeting my swimming hero Grant Hackett at the 2006 Commonwealth Games provoked me into wanting to be just like him.

“Now I want to inspire other athletes to not only be their best, but to be the best.”

With most elite athletes beginning their journey in school, School Sport Victoria is proud to have played a part in Horton’s sporting journey.

As part of his ambassadorial role, Horton has initiated an upcopming Mentoring Session where selected School Sport Victoria Team Vic athletes will join him at the State Netball Hockey Centre.

Looking forward to this, Horton concluded “I am looking forward to facilitating the Mentoring Session for School Sport Victoria and giving back to the program that has given so much to me.”

Image: Nick Mooney welcomes Mack Horton as a School Sport Victoria ambassador.