Callum Simpson is a para swimmer who was awarded a Tier 2 Scholarship within the 2024 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
From an early age, swimming became more than just a sport for Callum, it was his therapy to help his body become stronger. Despite the challenges presented by his disability, Callum never allowed anything to stand in his way and his determination marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey in swimming.
By the time he was 10 years old, Callum wanted to put his hard work in the water into practice and his hard work paid off as he began competing at state and national levels, where he consistently delivered impressive results showing improvement, after improvement. Callum never started off as the fastest, but he was determined to become the fastest. Throughout his early teens, Callum accumulated multiple national titles and shattered several junior records, establishing himself as one of Australia’s most promising young para-swimmers.
In 2024, at just 17 years old, Callum achieved a monumental milestone when he was selected to represent Australia at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Competing against the best para-athletes in the world, he demonstrated his exceptional skill, tenacity, and competitive spirit. One of the highlights of his Paralympic debut was his participation in the men’s 4x100m medley relay, helping his team in the heats secure the gold medal for Australia, marking a career-defining moment and earning him his first Paralympic gold. Callum then went on to win a second gold medal in the individual 100m freestyle, as well as a silver medal in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay. Becoming a dual gold and silver medallist at his Paralympic debut at just 17 years old age was a remarkable feat.
The experience of winning gold at the Paralympics has only deepened his resolve to continue pursuing excellence in the sport he loves. As Callum completes his final few years of high school, he is more motivated than ever to dedicate himself fully to swimming. With his sights set on future international competitions and the next big international competitions he aims to build on his success and solidify his place among the top para-swimmers in the world.
Looking ahead, Callum dreams of not only returning to the Paralympics but also expanding his medal collection, striving for individual gold and continuing to represent Australia with pride. His journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved through hard work, resilience, and an unbreakable passion for swimming. The road ahead is bright, and Callum is determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
“Being a successful SAHOF Scholarship recipient means embracing the opportunity to grow both as an athlete and as an individual, signifying continuous improvement in their sport. This scholarship connects athletes with a network of inspiring fellow athletes. It represents a stepping stone towards further growth in their journey in the sport they love and is a step closer to having an impact in the sporting world.” – Callum Simpson on being selected as a 2025 Scholarship Holder
Honours & Achievements
- 2024: 2nd & achieved qualifying time for S8 100m Freestyle – Paralympic Trials
- 2024: 1st in 100m Freestyle – European Championships
- 2024: 1st in 100m & 400m Freestyle, 2nd in 50m Freestyle – Australian Age MC Championships
- 2024: Ranked 1st in World for S8 100m Freestyle and 50m Freestyle
- 2023: 1st in 400m Freestyle – National SC Open Championships
- 2025: Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Social Links | Instagram: callum_swimming
