OLYMPIC swimmer Brooke Hanson, whose family hails from Coffs Harbour, is making an appearance at the Beachside Radiology Coffs Ocean Swim, both in the ocean and on the microphone.

Brooke is thrilled to be working alongside organisers to promote and participate in this community event.

She’ll be staying in Coffs with her family for the weekend at her Grandfather’s home in Park Beach.

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“My Grandfather (93), John Mills, learned to swim in the Creek.

“He was born and bred here, and I’ve spent so many holidays in Coffs that I think of it as my second home,” said Brooke.

Epitomising what the Coffs Ocean Swim is all about, Brooke’s father Ian, husband Jared Clarke and eldest son Cooper (11) will all be competing on the day.

Her son Billy, who is 7, is bursting to take part but with the age limit starting at 8 he has one more year to wait.

Billy will be cheering his family on from the beach with his little sister Matilda (5), Grandmother Suzanne Hanson, and Great Grandfather John.

Brooke is keen to point out that while she is a competitive swimmer (an Olympic gold medallist amongst an illustrious list of other international accomplishments) the Coffs Ocean Swim is about having a go.

“Put your goggles on, go in and have fun.

“You’ll see the fish and feel the water.

“It’s such a great experience,” Brooke said.

Since retiring from elite swimming, Brooke makes health and fitness part of her family’s daily lives.

“We live our lives staying fit and healthy and having goals, like this swim.

“Now my niece and nephew, Summer and Taj, are inspired to come.

“They told me the other day ‘We’re not going to miss this Auntie Brooke’.

“Talking about the race and the fun you can have has inspired people who’ve never done it before.

“I think people really missed it last year when it was cancelled because of Covid-19, it means so much more this year.”

By Andrea FERRARI