Matthew Flinders Anglican College Year 12 student Callum Simpson OAM has had a sensational performance at the 2025 Toyota World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore (21-27 September), winning multiple medals, setting a new world record and breaking three Oceanic records.
Principal Michelle Carroll said the Flinders community was inspired by Callum’s efforts and dedication, and would continue to support him as he focused on his final weeks of Year 12 study and external assessments.
Callum claimed three gold medals in the Men's 100m Freestyle S8, Men's 200 m Individual Medley SM8 and Mixed 4 x 100 m Freestyle 34pts; a silver medal in Men's 50m Freestyle S8; and a bronze medal in Men's 400 m Freestyle S8.
He also set a World Record in the 4 x 100m Free 34pt relay along with three Oceanic Records, and achieved nine personal bests across all his races.
A standout member of the 25-strong Dolphins team, including nine Paralympic gold medalists, Callum was guided by coach Chris Wright, an Olympian and co-owner of the Flinders Phoenix Swimming Academy, the largest competitive swim club in the Wide Bay region, based at the Flinders Aquatic Centre at Matthew Flinders Anglican College.
Reflecting on his 100m freestyle gold medal, Callum told Swimming Australia:
“Honestly, I can’t remember too much of that race, but I knew I wanted to do my country and everyone who got me this far proud. I’ve done so much hard work and to see it pay off this much is something I couldn’t have dreamed of. It’s a big motivator going into the LA28 Paralympics.”
Callum's mum, Rebecca Simpson, says Callum will now shift his focus back to his Year 12 studies and external assessments at Flinders for the next five weeks, with the aim of gaining his Queensland Certificate of Education.
"Longer term, Callum's goals obviously include representing Australia at LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032, with competitions in between. Ultimately, he also needs to keep his body in good shape, as much as he possibly can, which will present challenges along the way due to his disability," Rebecca said.
"The main thing is, Callum is happy and loves swimming with his coach, Chris Wright. And I think the World Championships has proved that a happy swimmer equals a fast swimmer!"
Callum, who was born with microdeletion syndrome, cerebral palsy, dyspraxia and neurological disorders, began swimming at age two as therapy to strengthen his body and coordination. His early therapy soon turned into a lifelong passion and an extraordinary sporting career.
Callum also carries the momentum of two golds and one silver from the 2024 Paris Paralympics, cementing his place as one of Australia’s brightest para-athletes.
Callum’s Achievements Across 2024 and 2025
Callum achieved three medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics:
• Gold Medallist, Men's 100m Freestyle S8 Para Swimming
• Gold Medallist, Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay, Para Swimming
• Silver Medallist, Mixed 4x100 Freestyle Relay, Para Swimming
At the Sunshine Coast Sports 54th Annual Awards in March 2025, Callum was named Sports Star of the Year 2024 and Athlete of the Year – Disability 2024.
In May, Callum was also named as a Commonwealth Games Australia Emerging Athlete of the Year.
Callum was also awarded a Tier 2 Scholarship within the 2024 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
Earlier this year, Callum was one of 320 people across Australia named on the 2025 Australia Day Honours list and announced by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC on Sunday, 26 January. Callum was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his “service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024”.
In receiving the OAM, Callum said, “I’m incredibly honoured and grateful to receive this OAM.
“This isn’t just a recognition of my results and efforts, but of everyone who has supported me and been in my corner—my coaches, support team, family and friends who have always backed me and believed in me, even at times when I didn't.
“I really want to show other people that, no matter what, you can always keep pushing and chasing your dreams despite the challenges and barriers you may be given in life.
“Anything is possible, even if you are born with a disability.”
HISTORY OF PARA SWIMMING
Para swimming is practised internationally by athletes in nearly 100 countries and has featured in every edition of the Paralympic Games, growing into one of the biggest and most attractive sports.
At the first Rome 1960 Paralympic Games, 77 swimmers from 15 countries competed in the sport.
Competition opportunities include the Paralympic Games every four years, biennial World Championships and biennial or quadrennial regional Championships.
The World Series, featuring a number of swim meetings around the world, was launched in 2017 to provide greater classification opportunities and top-level competition opportunities for athletes.
Learn more here.
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