Luca Widmer graduated with the Flinders Class of 2025, including 18 FEAP students. In this Q&A profile, Luca reflects on his journey at Matthew Flinders Anglican College and shares his exciting plans beyond Flinders.
Through the Flinders Elite Athlete Program, Luca was provided personalised support to focus on his academic studies and staying healthy while managing his busy sports training and competing schedule.
In 2025, he participated across multiple Flinders school sports, being named the Flinders Swimming Champion and Cross Country Age Champion, and securing representative opportunities.
At the College Valedictory Dinner and Awards in October 2025, Luca received both Academic and Endeavour Awards, and was also awarded three special commendations:
- The Award for a Senior Swimmer with the Most Consistent Results from Years 7-12
- The Award for Outstanding All Round Sports Student Senior Secondary
- The Australian Olympic Change-maker Award
In September 2025, Luca was invited to contribute as an emerging student athlete on a panel at the Global Sport University Network Summit, exploring how sport can drive innovation, education and policy reform in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. On the panel, Luca shared his views alongside high-ranking Olympic officials, experts and government and industry leaders, including the Australian Olympic Committee CEO Mark Arbib and dual Olympian Patrick Johnson.
What plans do you have for beyond 2025 graduation?
I plan to study a Bachelor of International Studies at The University of Queensland in Brisbane while living in a college residence. I’m excited to continue learning new languages and exploring global cultures, communication and foreign policy. In the future, I’d love to work for an organisation such as the International Olympic Committee, the Australian Olympic Committee or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where I can combine my passion for sport and international relations. I hope to travel widely, represent Australia on the world stage and help build stronger global connections through sport and diplomacy.
Please share some of your sporting achievements.
I was selected as a member of the Australian Lifesaving Team to represent Australia at the New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships, where I brought home five medals: one gold and four silver. I also placed 4th in both the U17 Surf Swim Race and the U17 2km Swim at the 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. In September 2024, I competed at the World Lifesaving Interclub Championships and won a silver medal in the U19 4x50m Obstacle Swim Relay. I also won bronze in the 50m Freestyle at the 2024 Queensland Swimming Championships in a time of 23.95 seconds.
What are your sporting goals?
As I transition into a new swimming program in Brisbane, I aim to qualify for the Commonwealth Games Trials. Ultimately, my dream is to represent Australia at the Olympic Games, with the 2032 Brisbane Games firmly in my sights.
What are your academic goals at Flinders?
My academic goal was always to achieve the highest ATAR I possibly could, keeping my university options open for the future. (Note: Luca is now studying and residing at The University of Queensland) I also set myself the challenge of becoming fluent in French before graduating from Flinders; a goal I’m proud to have achieved with the help of Madame Boussalem!
What support have you enjoyed through FEAP?
FEAP Director Ms Lauren Nourse provided incredible support to all of us in the FEAP, from helping us develop time management and organisational skills to arranging workshops with a wide range of guests, including retired athletes, dieticians, mindset coaches, media trainers and goal-setting specialists. The program equips us with tools to succeed in sport and in life.
What new skills and strategies have you learnt through FEAP?
Through FEAP, I’ve learned how to balance elite-level training with my academic workload by setting clear priorities and managing my time more effectively. I’ve also developed greater self-awareness and discipline through goal-setting sessions, which have helped me stay focused and adapt when challenges arise.
Did you have a favourite FEAP workshop?
I’ve especially enjoyed the sessions with Alyssa Koenen, a sports dietitian. The advice she shares is practical and easy to apply, helping us understand how to fuel properly for training, competitions and recovery. As young and developing athletes, it’s vital to make the most of our nutrition, and her sessions always leave me feeling motivated to improve in that area.
What else have you enjoyed about FEAP?
The sense of community within FEAP is something I really value, especially between the Year 12s graduating in 2025. Ms Nourse created an environment where everyone feels supported, encouraged and inspired to be their best.
Who is your sporting role model?
My sporting role model has always been Cam McEvoy. I admire the way he consistently holds himself to the highest standard both in and out of the pool. His independent approach to research and training, leading to his “sprint revolution” and success as an Olympic and World Champion, shows how curiosity, discipline and self-belief can redefine excellence.
