The Echuca local is on the blocks to proudly represent her community at the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne, where she’ll compete in breaststroke and freestyle events.
The 26-year-old said she was looking forward to the competition and “making some new friends, and just meeting some new people”.
Sophie has grown to love swimming the more she does it ― training every Friday night, and occasionally joining a friend for extra sessions.
Her path to the national stage has been built on consistent effort — qualifying through a series of competitions — making her spot at the National Games a milestone she has well and truly earned.
“I’ve competed really well, I’ve been at every swimming comp to qualify into nationals,” she said.
Sophie has been supported by her “amazing” coaches, Shelly Melga and assistant coach Melissa Whelan, as well as her friends and parents, whom she credited with helping her along the way.
And despite the scale and significance of the competition ahead, Sophie remains refreshingly calm.
“I’m not really feeling nervous, no,” she said.
“I'll just go and see what happens.”
Rather than setting specific performance targets, she plans to take the experience as it comes and enjoy the opportunity to compete.
Away from the pool, Sophie keeps busy playing football with the Echuca Moama Rockets and working at both Vivid Work Crew and Intersport Echuca — a full and active life she clearly embraces.
For Sophie, the National Games is about more than results.
The chance to meet fellow athletes, make connections and enjoy the sport she loves is a major part of the experience.
Her message to others interested in swimming was simple: enjoy the sport, listen to your coaches and have a good time.
The 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games will welcome more than 850 athletes to Melbourne from October 19 to 23 — a landmark celebration of sporting achievement, inclusion and the power of community.
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