Logan Reserve swimmer Anthony Shing is preparing to represent Australia at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympic Games, 20 years after his first appearance on the international stage.
The 38-year-old, who first competed at the Deaflympics in 2005, said he was honoured to still be competing at an elite level while balancing work and family life.
“I feel really honoured and proud that I can race in elite level at my age against younger swimmers,” he said.
Mr Shing’s journey in swimming began as a child, with competitive racing starting at nine years old.
He represented his school at regional and state levels from Year 8 to Year 12 before breaking into the national deaf swimming scene in 2003.
That year, he won one gold, 12 silver, and three bronze medals while breaking 12 age records.
His first Deaflympics in Melbourne saw him break 11 more records and achieve a top-six ranking in his events.
He later competed in the inaugural Deaf World Swimming Championships in 2007 before retiring from the sport in 2009.
Mr Shing returned to swimming in 2017 for health reasons and joined Masters Swimming Australia.
He earned a place in the national team for the 2019 Deaf World Swimming Championships and had aimed for the 2021 Deaflympics before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the event.
“I have a strong inner drive, even getting up early in winter and riding my motorbike in the rain to train because I feel like I need to do it to achieve my dreams,” he said.
Training as a deaf athlete has presented unique challenges, particularly in communication with coaches and teammates.
Mr Shing has taken it upon himself to teach Auslan to those around him to ensure smoother communication in training sessions.
Outside of the pool, he faces other challenges, including maintaining a disciplined diet.
“I was raised in the food industry, so I love different kinds of foods, mostly Asian foods,” he said.
“I overcome it by eating healthy, having a good daily routine, proper body recovery, and great support from family and friends.”
As he prepares for the Deaflympics in November, Mr Shing is calling for community support to help fund his journey.
Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics, Deaflympians must cover their own travel, accommodation, training, and competition expenses.
“Little help from everyone will mean so much for one person,” he said.
“Donations, fundraising support, or even equipment can help me improve my swimming.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to continue training, supporting other Australian deaf swimmers, and making an impact in Masters Swimming.
“Chase your dreams, it’s never too late to try again,” he said.
“Keep using your talents until you have fulfilled your dreams and goals. It’s your life, make the best of it.”
