Australian swimmers reflect on the little things that made their day thanks to their mothers

As mothers prepare to be spoiled on Sunday for Mother’s Day, Australian swimming stars reflect on the little things that their mums have done to help them get to where they are today.

Cate Campbell and her mum Jenny. Pic Jamie Hanson

It is the little things which can make a champion, and so it was the case for Australian swimmers Zac Stubblety-Cook, Cate Campbell and Minna Atherton.

For Nathan’s Stubblety-Cook, his mum Julie’s bacon and egg wrap filled his stomach and fuelled him for a day at Wellers Hill State School.

“It goes down in history as the best,’’ the world championship swimmer and Pan Pacs silver medallist said.

Australian swimmer Zac Stubblety-Cook. (AAP Image/Darren England) N

But there were also the less obvious things like the simplicity of waking him up early for training.

“I am extremely grateful for that. I now realise how hard it is to get up, let alone getting someone else up,’’ said the Anglican Church Grammar School old boy.

Minna Atherton’s mum, Janine, could cook as well, don’t worry.

“I admire mum’s generosity and patience and how she always gives up her time to help and support me and my brothers with anything we need,’’ said the Brisbane Grammar Swim Club star, winner of a gold and two silver medals at last year’s world swimming championships.

Minna Atherton, middle, with Ariarne Titmus on her left and Kaylee McKeown on her right. (Photo by Delly Carr/Getty Images)

“I also admire her baking skills (so good) and her ability to put up with my brothers (and sometimes me). I am very thankful for everything she has done for me.’’

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Olympic Games swimming spearhead Campbell of Kenmore reflected on her mum Jenny having a tumble dried warm towel waiting for her as she left Rob and Simon Cusack’s Kenmore pool on a cold winter morning.

And the warm chocolate drink at the ready to revive her after a hard session in the pool also went down well.

Stubblety-Cook said his mother had also always put herself first.

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“Only later in life your realise that. They (mothers) are selfless.’’

It is a similar theme for world short course backstroke champion Atherton, the Brisbane Girls Grammar alumni powering toward her first Olympic Games next year.

“My mum has always been a big help with my swimming and when I was in school she would always pick me up from school and drop me to training in the afternoons,’’ said

Atherton, who learnt to swim in the tiny Milton State School pool.

Cate Campbell’s mum Jenny Campbell.

“She’d also drop things off to me that I’d forgotten (like my books or parts of my uniform). “She is very supportive of my swimming and always tries to come and watch my major meets.

“In 2016 my parents told me they weren’t able to come and watch me at Junior Pan pacs, but they ended up flying over and surprising me.’’