St George Swim Club celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games with a special reunion recently.
The club's president and head coach, Robby Cox interviewed Olympic Gold Medallists Michael Klim, Chris Fydler, Ashley Callus and Ian Thorpe for his Off The Blocks Swimming podcast and on YouTube.
The team recalled their Gold Medal win of the 4x100 metres men's freestyle relay at the games.
For Mr Cox it was a double anniversary.
His podcast interview was done 20 years to the day that he interviewed the team poolside at Olympic Park just after they had won gold.
"It has been on my bucket list for a long time to interview them all together for my podcast," Mr Cox said. "I've interviewed Michael Klim and Ashley Callus for the podcast but never all four of the team together.
"To me their race was one of the greatest swimming races in Australian sporting history, particularly for what it meant to Australia at the time. It still gives me goosebumps to watch it.
"Australia went in as the underdogs. The Americans hadn't been beaten in the event in 26 years.
"They said they were going to smash the Australians like guitars. When the Australians beat them they all played air guitars in answer to the Americans.
"Replaying that race is still relevant today. It continues to inspire generations of swimmers who have come after."
Mr Cox hopes his interview with the legendary four on their Olympic gold medal winning race may also bring future glory for himself.
He has entered his Off The Blocks podcast in the Australian Podcast Awards in the best sports category.
Georges River Councillor Nancy Liu, who has been associated with St George Swim Club since it started, said it was a very special moment to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics.
"It is a forever memory for the whole nation and people of different generations," Cr Liu said.
"That is why when the club's head coach Robby interviewed these four Gold Medalists and broadcasted on his Podcast and YouTube, I highly supported his action. I strongly recommend people should watch his broadcast.
"When we listen to it and look at those outstanding role models, we not only recall that exciting moment at the Olympics 20 years ago but also treat it as an inspiration to our young and talented swimmers who are pursuing their swimming dreams," Councillor Liu said.
She also said it had been a lovely experience to work with other members in the swimming community since St George Swim Club was established nearly three years ago.
During this period, the club has been celebrating swimmers' achievements and sportsmanship with other swimming clubs through annual Australia Day events, club nights, and State and National level Age Championships to develop and nurture talented athletes of all levels.
Cr Liu also recalled that on August, 26, 2019, Australian swimming legend and five-time gold medalist, Ian Thorpe visited the Club at Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre at Bexley as an initial member of the BlueFit Group's Advisory Board.
"We were delighted to have this kind of association with Australia's most decorated Olympian and a representative of his standing and character involved with our community," she said.
"We felt so pleased for having Ian with us to enhance our member experience and inspire the next generation of Olympic swim talent.
"He has been not only showing his active involvement to the sport community, we also felt privileged to have his generosity for supporting the 120th anniversary of Hurstville Salvation Army and Bushfire Appeal at a charity dinner in December 2019."
Robby Cox's interview with Michael Klim, Chris Fydler, Ashley Callus and Ian Thorpe can be seen on:
Apple Podcast
YouTube
