Geoff Huegill

Australia's favourite comeback kid.

Profile

A dual Olympic Silver and Bronze medallist, five time World Champion, eight time World Record holder, and seven time Commonwealth Gold Medallist, as well as having 14 Australian National titles to his name, Geoff Huegill is considered one of Australia’s biggest personalities in the swimming world, as well as the nation’s favourite comeback kid.

Affectionately known as ‘Skippy’, Geoff’s remarkable story is of a man fighting his way back to elite competition, from lost soul to national hero.

Current work

Today, Geoff is an entrepreneur and co-director of a range of companies. He has positioned himself within the ranks of the business and corporate world, as well as a deep involvement with humanitarian ambassadorships, civic-minded projects, and community outreach initiatives. Geoff shares his powerful insights, imparting knowledge to executives, managers and staff alike by sharing the skill and disciplines he’s learnt from elite sport, and demonstrating their applicability to any business.

Previous experience

Weight: After the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Geoff retired prematurely and gained a substantial amount of weight, tipping the scales at 138kg. Deciding enough was enough, in 2008 he announced his comeback to competitive swimming, and put together a comprehensive two year plan to manage his health and get back into shape to again swim for his country.

Medals: At the age of 31, Geoff began an intensive training program, eventually losing over 49kg. His champion mindset, sheer dedication and passion for swimming led him to achieve his fastest times in the pool, and to become the second fastest butterfly swimmer in the world. Geoff captured the hearts of Australians, winning numerous medals at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai.

Documentary: In the process of his comeback quest, Geoff took a place in the Australian psyche as a true iconic Australian who beat the odds, overcame adversity and proved triumphant, as well as a powerful role-model. His journey was chronicled in his book Be Your Best and in 2012 Foxtel documentary Geoff Huegill: Be Your Best – Hunt For Gold.

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