Nigel Dalton races young swimmers at Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex

A state MP went stroke for stroke against a squad of young swimmers he reckons could be racing in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

A new generation of Mackay athletes have started training for the competition of their young lives, the 2032 Olympics, with their local MP jumping in the pool to keep them on their A game.

Mackay swimmers Dakota Daniel, 13 and Vaughn Wyatt, are working everyday to achieve their goal of representing their country in the pool for the Brisbane Olympics.

Ms Daniels started swimming after she performed poorly at her primary school swimming carnival.

“I was really bad … I wanted to win the carnival so I started swimming,” Ms Daniel said.

Vaughn Wyatt and Dakota Daniel are both hoping to swim for Australia in th 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Now she’s in the pool racing and working to improve her times every session, with the goal to place at nationals and go to the Olympics.

Vaughn Wyatt on the other hand has been swimming “since I was two feet tall”.

“I’ve always been there,” Mr Wyatt said with a cheeky grin.

While Mr Wyatt loves the fitness aspect of the sport, he harbours professional ambitions.

“I’m doing it in school and I’d like to take it through with uni,” Mr Wyatt said.

“If I wind up plonked in the Olympics that would be great.”

Nigel Dalton joined members of the Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex swim squad for a race, as he highlighted Mackay's potential future contributions to the 2032 Olympic swimming team. Photo: Fergus Gregg

State member for Mackay Nigel Dalton is an avid swimmer himself, swimming with the North Mackay for many years and helping them win dozens of medals.

Mr Dalton tested his metal against some of the younger members of the Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex swim squad.

In a 50m dash against four, young swimmers, Dalton placed second, falling almost a second behind his competitor in lane 3.

“It is such a wonderful opportunity to see these young swimmers and athletes aspire to compete in the games in their own country,” Mr Dalton said.

“Seven years today and the opening moments of the games will happen in Brisbane … seven years for these kids to grow into Olympians.”

Mr Dalton promoted the state governments $200 sport vouchers and said while not every child will become an Olympian, they’ll reap the physical and mental health benefits of engaging with sport.

“Its such a good thing to do to keep on the straight and narrow,” Mr Dalton said.