Dylan Andrea - Swimming

My name is Dylan Andrea – I have represented Australia on the world stage of swimming, won national titles, I was the 6^th Fastest 100m Freestyler ever at the age 18-years-old and I have a dream to stand behind the blocks at Paris for the 2024 Olympics Games.

Growing up in Brisbane I found the love for many sports at a young age, including but not limited to AFL, Cricket, Rugby Union and Track n Field. I was very high achieving across all disciplines representing state, metro, and district teams in almost every sport I touched. However, it wasn’t until my later teenage years where I discovered swimming was my passion.

Unlike my other activities I had never qualified for Queensland State Teams or won medals as a young kid. It was something that eluded me for some time. Finally, at 17 years old my full focus went into Swimming.

Swimming is a sport where the numbers don’t lie and you can see the self-improvement right in front of you. What motivates me is the constant strive for perfection – although true perfection being humanly impossible.

Recently, I have taken the challenge to relocate from Brisbane to Adelaide to work alongside some of the best in the world in preparation for the Olympic Games.

Questions

The best thing about being a SASI Athlete:

Having the ability to work alongside the best athletes, coaches and support staff in the world in order to achieve your dream.

My favourite food to fuel me as an Athlete:

The Italian in me says Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Pasta is my favourite source of fuel.

My favourite movie:

The original ‘Die Hard Movie’.

My favourite colour:

Blue.

My sporting hero and why:

Cyril Rioli – Hawthorn AFL Legend – because he was a magician with the football and so entertaining to watch.

My favourite possession:

First ever green and gold Australian racing cap.

The sporting activity I most like performing:

Moving weight in the gym.

If I wasn’t doing my current sport I would like to be:

Playing in the AFL.

The most important things in life:

My family, friends and having a challenge in life.

My ambassador activity tip:

As exampled in my biography be active, try something new, be prepared to live outside your comfort zone, and have fun doing it!

My favourite way to keep active:

Any social exercise with friends or family. Whether that be going for a run, hitting gym or even having a splash in the pool.

The sport I like watching the most:

I can’t spilt it between my favourite two – AFL or NRL.

What sporting success looks like:

Sports success is not always about gold medals or big trophies. At the end of the day, it’s about being able to look back and be proud of what you have achieved.