Academy Stars Swim Towards a Golden Future

Written on the 20 May 2025 by Abby Wijesekera

Two rising talents from the South West Sydney Academy of Sport's West Future Stars program are making waves on the national stage, with their sights firmly set on the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. Teenage swimmers Ava Olic and Lily Murakami are already proving themselves as formidable competitors and their journey has only just begun. 

The pair have recently represented not just their region and home club Atlantis Swim Club, but the entire State of NSW at the Australian National Swimming Championships, held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, in April.  

Between them, they competed in a remarkable array of events; Murakami competed in nine individual races, with Olic having competed as a part of the Freestyle Medley Relay team, and obtaining a new PB. Olic shared some advice from her experience stating, "Don't overthink it, because when you get up there it is never as scary as you thought it was going to be." Murakami impressively finished 8^th in the nation for the 200m Butterfly, and 6^th in the nation for the 200m Freestyle. Their drive, discipline and strong team bond marking them as standout athletes in the making. 

Murakami’s love for the water began early, when her mum introduced her to mums-and-bubs swim classes. As her natural talent emerged, she progressed through school carnivals and eventually joined Camden's Atlantis Swim Club, where she began racing competitively and earned her first state qualifying times. Now specialising in butterfly, Murakami trains more than 11 hours each week across eight demanding sessions. 

"My parents turn on the light in the morning, it's then up to me if I get up and go. I choose to put my swimmers on," Murakami says. "It's usually a struggle to get in the pool, but I remind myself of my end goal and what I want to achieve." 

That goal, in standing on the podium at a home Olympic Games in Brisbane 2032, is one she shares with Olic, her training partner and close personal friend.  

Olic’s own swimming journey began at just six months old, where she learned to swim alongside her parents. She steadily progressed through lessons and school competitions, eventually earning a spot in the senior squad and earning the right to compete at CIS School, and State Championship levels. 

"It really started to get serious when I was swimming in school carnivals," Olic said. "That was when I realised this was something I wanted to do." 

Now training six times a week, Olic balances her sporting ambitions with her education. "I prioritise school over swimming because education means a lot to me," she said. "But I would often think about higher levels of swimming like Nationals and about how much I wanted to work for it, so I get up in the morning (and train) just for that (goal)." 

Freestyle is Olic’s stroke of choice, and she thrives on chasing down her personal bests and aiming for those ever-important qualifying times. Whilst swimming can often be viewed as a lonely, individual sport, Olic says the support of her swim team and training partners makes all the difference. 

"You're able to build a safe environment with your teammates where you can express yourself and push each other to be better," she says. 

“Lily really inspires me," Olic said. "She went to Nationals for nine events. She always pushes me to be better." 

Both athletes credit their families and coaches as the cornerstones of their success, with Murakami giving special thanks to her grandfather, who frequently drives her to early morning and late-night training sessions. Their support for one another is equally powerful. 

With this year's Nationals campaign behind them, both athletes continue their development by undertaking a regular strength and conditioning program through the Academy’s West Future Stars program, with weekly training at Bounceback Physio, one of the Academy's many strength and conditioning partner facilities. This targeted support is helping to build their physical resilience and enhance performance as they prepare for the rigors of elite level competition. 

And with an unshakeable determination, a shared vision, and a community rallying behind them, Olic and Murakami are not just dreaming of Olympic Gold, they are working tirelessly to earn it. If their current momentum is anything to go by, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games may well be the stage where their story inspires a new generation of Australian champions. 

--- 

If you would like to find out more about the success of athletes of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, tune into ‘The Sports Academy’ radio show each Sunday afternoon between midday and 2pm on 100.3fm The Sounds of Macarthur, or head to the Academy's website www.swsas.org.au