Meet world champion at Moreton Bay pool

Published 11:00am 26 February 2026

Words by Nick Crockford

Max Giuliani, a rising star of Australian swimming, will be at Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre tomorrow (Friday) meeting fans, passing on tips and teaching skills.

The 22-year-old, who was part of Australia’s world championship-winning 100m freestyle relay team, will be at the Ferny Way centre from 3.30-6.30pm.

Hosted by Belgravia Leisure in partnership with Swimming Australia, the day will bring together families, GOswim participants, squads and swim clubs.

"At Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre, we’re proud to create opportunities for kids to build confidence in the water and discover a genuine love for swimming,” Venue Manager Michael Fox said.

“Having Max, an elite athlete here, really helps meet that need for the community - giving young people a strong role model and inspiration.

"Bringing the community together at Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre for a high-quality learning experience is what it’s all about.

“Seeing parents, kids, clubs and fans come together with an Olympic champion highlights the power of swimming as a skill for life."

As a national partner of Swimming Australia’s GOswim program, Belgravia Leisure delivers more than three million swimming and water-safety lessons each year.

Giulinai, from Carlton in Tasmania, almost quit swimming five years ago, but moved to the Gold Coast for “one final crack”.

He joined Miami Swim Club and hit the headlines in 2023 on the lead leg of that year’s Queensland Championships 4x200m freestyle relay.

Giuliani clocked 1 minute 44.79 seconds – the second fastest time in Australian history and just 0.73-of-a-second off Ian Thorpe’s 200m freestyle record.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics Giuliani was seventh in the 200m freestyle but helped Australia’s 200m freestyle relay team win the bronze medal in 7:01.98.

Last year he was part of the Australian 100m freestyle relay team which won gold at the world titles in Singapore, setting a championship and national record of 3:08.97.

Giuliani followed that with bronze in the 200m freestyle relay clocking his split at 1:44.92.