World Aquatics Top Ten 2025
The depth, determination and enduring spirit of Masters Swimming in New South Wales has once again been recognised on the international stage, with 34 individual swimmers and 36 relay teams earning places in the 2025 World Aquatics Masters Top 10 Rankings.
World-Leading Performances
Several NSW swimmers reached the very top of the world rankings.
North Shore Masters’ Stuart Ellicott dominated the Men’s 70–74 Breaststroke events, claiming the World No. 1 ranking in the Long Course 50m Breaststroke while also recording multiple Top 3 finishes.
Blue Mountains Phoenix continued its tradition of excellence through Kay Burton, who achieved multiple World No. 1 rankings in the Women’s 85–89 age group, and their relay team taking out two number 1 placings, while Blacktown’s Clary Munns topped the world in four short course events in the Women’s 80–84 category. Manly Masters’ Tony Goodwin also claimed multiple World No. 1 performances in the Men’s 85–89 age group, proving that exceptional swimming has no age limit.
Guy Farrow from Tattersalls taking out first place with an exceptional sub 1 minute 100m Freestyle in his 60-64 age group, whilst Jeanette Brits from Manly showed excellence in the middle distance Freestyle events.
The Clubs Leading the Charge
Success was spread throughout the state, with metropolitan and regional clubs alike featuring prominently in the rankings.Manly Masters produced one of the largest contingents of ranked swimmers, with standout performances from Jeanette Brits, Luke Bibby, Lisa O’Donnell, Robert Butcher, Tony Goodwin and Stephen Lamy, while also recording numerous relay rankings across multiple age groups.
Blue Mountains Phoenix enjoyed another exceptional season, highlighted by multiple individual World No. 1 performances and two World No. 1 relay teams in the Women’s 320–359 age group—an extraordinary achievement that reflects the club’s strength, experience and camaraderie.
Blacktown City Masters impressed both individually and in relay competition, with Aaron Cleland and Bradley Halicek contributing numerous Top 10 individual performances while the club also featured strongly in men’s and mixed relay events.
North Shore Masters celebrated world-leading breaststroke performances from Stuart Ellicott and multiple Top 10 swims from Craig Magnusson and Jon Hawton, complemented by internationally ranked relay teams.
Strength Across Every Generation
One of the most inspiring aspects of the rankings is the extraordinary age range represented.
NSW swimmers achieved Top 10 performances from the 25–29 age group right through to the 95–99 age group, illustrating that Masters swimming truly is a lifelong sport.
Congratulations to every swimmer, coach, official, volunteer and club that contributed to this remarkable achievement. The 2025 World Aquatics Masters Top 10 rankings are not only a celebration of outstanding performances—they are a reflection of the vibrant, supportive and successful Masters swimming community that continues to thrive across New South Wales.
For a full list of swimmers – see list below.
