Who is Mitch Larkin, the FINA World Championship dual gold medal winning swimmer?

Who is Mitch Larkin, Australia’s dual gold medal winning swimming world champion? Larkin’s coach, mother and former school headmaster provide an insight into our latest national sporting hero.

KAZAN, RUSSIA - AUGUST 08: Mitch Larkin of Australia smiles after his Men's 50m Backstroke heat on day fifteen of the 16th FINA World Championships at the Kazan Arena on August 8, 2015 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

WHO is Mitch Larkin, the Australian dual gold medal winning swimming world champion?

He is Mr Perseverance according to the man who should know – his coach Michael Bohl.

Bohl said the 100m and 200m backstroker had risen from the depths of utter despair to snare two first placings and a relay silver medal at the recent FINA World Championships in Russia.

“Mitch is the shining example of perseverance,’’ Bohl said.

Bohl, the St Peters Western swim coach, said Larkin’s first appearance at a world championship in 2011 was “absolutely forgettable’’.

“He was way over his trial performances. He had very below par swims but it was his first international senior competitive experience and a great learning opportunity,’’ the coach said.

Bohl said Larkin achieved at the 2012 Olympics to make the 200m backstroke final but that milestone was followed by another disaster – missing the semi-finals and placing a lowly 17th at the 2013 Barcelona World Championships.

Yet Larkin, a John Paul College old boy, dusted himself off and last year rose to what Bohl described as his “breakout year’’.

“This has been long in the making but it is rewarding to see a dedicated committed athlete achieving breakthroughs,’’ Bohl said. “I am very proud of this young man.’’

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Larkin’s mum, Judy, was confident her son would do well at the championships.

“Mitch knew that he had worked extremely hard going into this meet and he was focussed on improving his PBs. If he could achieve he knew he would be very competitive,’’ she said.

John Paul College headmaster Peter Foster says he always knew Mitch Larkin, a school prefect, had great potential in the pool.

“It’s been delightful to watch the rise of Mitch Larkin,” he said. “From an unassuming and incredibly talented student athlete, there was always the promise of great things to come.

“He thoroughly deserves his success and I know the John Paul College community will be cheering him on loud and proud all the way to Rio.”

The John Paul College director of sport and activities Karen Graham also paid tribute to Larkin’s efforts.

“I remember Mitch as always incredibly focused and thoroughly committed to swimming goals,” she said. “He was an outstanding role — in academics, sport and leadership. He is a thoroughly impressive athlete and person who still finds time to support his old school.”