Olympic star Madison Wilson opens Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre first big event SA Country Swimming Championships

A regional city’s newly-opened $62.5m swimming facility has unveiled its first major event, inviting an Olympic talent to officially kick things off.

The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre hosts its first major event, the 2023 SA Country Swimming Championships. Picture: Arj Ganesan

The Wulanda Recreation Centre have kicked off the New Year with a bang by hosting its first major event – the South Australian Country Swimming Championships.

The meet, which started on Thursday, was opened by Olympic medallist Madison Wilson.

Coming from regional Queensland, Ms Wilson said it was incredible to see such an expansive facility located in the country.

“I grew up in country Queensland, so I’m used to going to country swimming carnivals and we used to just kind of pitch our tent and get our camping chairs out,” she said.

“We never had anything like this — I think to have a facility like this is like absolutely amazing.”

Olympic superfish Madison Wilson at the 2023 SA Country Swimming Championships. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Ms Wilson said there was huge potential in the country to find amazing talent — with events like the South Australian Country Swimming Championships a great platform to show up-and-comers what’s out there.

“I think on the Olympic team last year, there was only two people that didn’t come from a regional town or from the country,” she said.

“So there’s so much potential — you don’t have to come from a big city to make it as such.”

Mount Gambier Swimming Club president Nathan Stratford. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Mount Gambier Swimming Club president Nathan Stratford said the event was a “major stepping stone” for swimmers looking to compete at state and national level.

After three years without their home training grounds, Mr Stratford said it was great to see such an outstanding regional facility.

“We’ve been at a massive disadvantage (compared) to our competitive clubs over the last three and a half years,” he said.

“We haven’t been able to do things like diving practice or correct term practice in the pools that have been available.”

Mr Stratford said the new facility was “world class”, highlighting Wulanda was one of the only regional swimming facilities in Australia with a touch pad timing system.

“It’s usually only seen in the major capital cities,” he said.

Councillor Ben Hood entertaining the crowds at the opening day of the 2023 South Australian Country Swimming Championships. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Free grandstand seating was made available for members of the public, with food trucks and pop-up bars set up to help feed the crowd, with Mount Gambier councillor Ben Hood spotted providing some light entertainment.

The event, which closes on Sunday, is expected to see more than 1000 people walk through the gates and just under 450 competitors.