Our biggest Nationals team yet is headed to the Gold Coast
STARplex Swim Club is heading to the Gold Coast with its largest and most exciting national team to date — 13 athletes across the Australian Age & Multi-Class Championships and the Australian Open 2026. From debut national competitors to seasoned Australian Dolphins, this squad represents the very best of what STARplex has built, and we couldn't be prouder to send them off.
The Athletes
Paige Duffy (13) Paige is first off the blocks, diving in from 4–6 April at the Australian Age Multi-Class Championships. Racing in the S14 category across the 50m & 100m breaststroke, 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, and 200m IM, Paige has been in stunning form throughout the long course season — breaking both state and national records along the way. With medals and records already on her résumé at just 13 years old, Paige is absolutely one to watch.
James McKechnie (30) Jimmy hits the water on 7 April, racing the 50m & 100m breaststroke and 50m freestyle. Last October at Short Course Championships, he claimed the Australian title in both breaststroke events — and heads to this meet ranked 7th in the 50m breaststroke. Stay tuned to see this Australian Dolphin rise to the occasion against the best in the country.
Josh Palmer (34) Fellow Australian Dolphin and STARplex coach Josh Palmer races on 8 April in the Men's 50m Breaststroke. Josh has been putting in serious work with the SASI team over the past six months, and the Gold Coast is where all of that effort gets tested. We're excited to see what he delivers on race day.
Ethan Herbst (19) Ethan steps up to compete at the Australian Open in the 100m butterfly. This is Ethan’s 3rd nationals appearance, but first time as an Open swimmer. A tough event on a big stage — best of luck, Ethan.
Miella Curthoys-Davies (17) Miella joined STARplex at the start of 2026 and has made an immediate impact. Miella’s program kicks off on Day 1, as she takes on the 200m IM, 400m IM, 50m butterfly, and 50m breaststroke. She is going in seeded in the top 10 nationally in both medley events, so it’s shaping up to be an exciting meet for Miella.
Cameron Hudson (15) Cameron is another exciting January 2026 addition to the club, and he wasted no time making his mark — expanding his nationals program to nine events off the back of a very strong SA State Championships performance. Cameron will race the 50m, 100m & 200m freestyle, 50m & 100m butterfly, 200m IM, 50m backstroke, and also joins the club relay teams and state freestyle relay. Good luck, Cam.
Ewan Stubbings (14) This is Ewan's first Australian Age Championships — and he's arriving in style. At just 14, Ewan has qualified for eight individual events: the 50m, 100m, 200m & 400m freestyle, 50m & 100m butterfly, 200m IM and 50m backstroke, plus the State 13–14 4x50m free and mixed medley relay. Ewan has medal potential across several events, so keep a very close eye on this one.
Kegan Coulter (16) Heading into his third National Age Championships, Kegan has levelled up this year with his biggest program yet — seven individual events spanning all four strokes, two club relays, and state medley and freestyle relays. He'll contest the 200m & 400m IM, 100m & 200m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and 100m butterfly. Kegan's versatility is something special, and his experience on this stage gives him a real advantage.
Patrick Herbst (17) Patrick contests the 100m butterfly on 12 April, and forms a key part of the 17–18 South Australian relay teams. After narrowly missing a national qualifying time last season, Patrick has proven that he belongs and is ready for the big stage. Tune in on the 12th to see Patrick race.
Maxx Shi (15) Our breaststroke king kicks off his program on 13 April. Maxx races the 50m, 100m & 200m breaststroke, and after a standout SA State Championships — where he posted PBs across the board — he's also earned a spot in the 50m freestyle. Maxx rounds out his week with the STARplex club freestyle and medley relay. He is absolutely one to watch on the Gold Coast.
Isabella Dowler (17) Isabella lines up in the 50m breaststroke on Day 5, 15 April — her fourth national age championships. Competing at this level for the fourth time speaks volumes about Isabella's commitment and consistency. Best of luck, Isabella.
Cody Charleson (16) Cody saves his best for last, hitting the pool on Day 8 with a double of the 200m freestyle and 100m breaststroke. He also joins the club's 4x50m free and medley relay teams. A big finish to what looks to be a huge week for the club.
Ula Waligora (17) Ula has qualified for the 50m freestyle — a fantastic achievement in itself — but will not be racing at this meet. That qualification is something to be proud of, Ula. We'll look forward to seeing you on the national stage soon.
The Coaching Team
This team doesn't just happen — it's built over years of hard work on both sides of the stopwatch. Leading the charge at nationals is Head Coach Alex Palmer, who has guided STARplex's national program with dedication over his ten years at the club, six of them as head coach. This is Alex's largest national team to date, a testament to the culture and standards he has set across the program.
Joining him is Josh Palmer, who has coached Paige Duffy throughout the lead-up to her multi-class campaign. Paige is a remarkable athlete and Josh has played a large role in her development over the last 6 months. This meet will be a special one, as it's Josh's final championships as a coach at STARplex, and there's no better way to sign off than on the Gold Coast.
Rounding out the coaching team is Connie Jackson, who has contributed to the national program over the past year and will be experiencing her first national championships as a coach. Connie is excited to see the hard work of this group translate on race day.
We are so proud of every single athlete and the team behind them. Good luck, STARplex.
