Here’s a bold move that’s turning heads in the swimming world: Lewis Clareburt, New Zealand’s swimming sensation, is packing his bags and leaving home to chase Olympic gold in LA 2028. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing—he’s not just moving anywhere; he’s heading to Melbourne, Australia, to join the prestigious Nunawading Swim Club in January 2026. Why? Because he believes this is the strategic shift he needs to stand on that Olympic podium.
Clareburt, a two-time Olympian and the reigning 2024 400m Individual Medley World Champion, isn’t just making a geographical change—he’s diving into a whole new training ecosystem. Under the guidance of internationally acclaimed coach Jolyon Finck, he’ll train alongside other Olympic-level medley specialists. This isn’t just a move; it’s a calculated leap toward greatness. And this is the part most people miss: Clareburt’s relocation isn’t just about better facilities—it’s about creating a southern hemisphere powerhouse to rival the dominant medley groups in the US.
Let’s rewind a bit. Clareburt’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. In late 2023, he was forced to relocate from Wellington to Auckland due to limited lane space at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, which was shared with other sports and the public. Despite the challenges, he’s proven his mettle, clinching gold in the 400m medley and 200m butterfly at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and reaching the 400m medley final at the Tokyo Olympics. Now, he’s setting his sights on LA 2028 with a clear vision: to build a medley training group in Melbourne that can compete on the global stage.
“We’re looking to create a really strong medley training group in Melbourne,” Clareburt explained. “Right now, the US has a dominant medley group that’s sweeping international medals. If swimmers from Australia and New Zealand want to be on the podium, we need a similar setup in the southern hemisphere. That’s what we’re aiming for.”
But it’s not just about swimming. At 26, Clareburt sees this move as a chance for personal growth. “I’ve lived in New Zealand my entire life, so this is an exciting opportunity for me and my partner to experience a new culture,” he shared. It’s a refreshing reminder that even elite athletes crave new horizons beyond their sport.
Clareburt didn’t forget to thank his Auckland support team, praising coach Mitch Nairn and his physios and strength and conditioning crew for their invaluable contributions. “I can’t speak highly enough of my time in Auckland,” he said. “They’ve been amazing, and I’ll still be racing for New Zealand. I’ll be back home often for competitions and camps, so it’s a win-win.”
Swimming New Zealand’s head of high performance, Graeme Maw, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing their continued support for Clareburt’s journey. “We’re excited to see Lewis chase his dream of a podium finish in LA,” Maw said. “He’ll remain fully supported by Swimming New Zealand as he builds toward LA 2028.”
But here’s the controversial question: Is leaving New Zealand the only way for swimmers like Clareburt to reach their full potential? Some argue that this move highlights gaps in New Zealand’s training infrastructure, while others see it as a necessary step for athletes aiming to compete at the highest level. What do you think? Is relocating abroad a sacrifice worth making, or should more be done to retain talent at home? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments—agree or disagree, your perspective matters!
