Olympian Dan Kowalski on Crossing the Line, Tuesday 3rd July

Former Olympic Swimmer Dan Kowalski

Daniel Kowalski represented Australia in swimming at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games. Dan won Gold in Sydney, and also achieved Silver and Bronze (twice) in Atlanta. He broke a 92-year record at the 1996 Atlanta Games by winning medals in the 200m, 400m and 1500m. Dan made history again at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, as part of the 4×200 metre relay team who won Gold and broke a world record, putting Australia on top of the world rankings for the first time since 1956.

Dan has had quite a journey post-retirement, completing a health and science degree, working with the Brisbane Lions and spending time in the US coaching swimming. This path eventually led Dan to his current role as the General Manager of the Australian Swimmers Association, where he is first point of contact for the national swimmers in Australia.

Dan chats to GT about his career as an Australian Olympian, his journey post-retirement and the impact that coming out has had on his life.