Lewis Clareburt to Base Himself in Melbourne as he Chases LA Podium

Performance Update – Clareburt to Base Himself in Melbourne

Two-time Olympian and 2024 World Aquatics Champion in the 400m individual medley, Lewis Clareburt (Club 37), is making the move to Australia as he chases his dream of a medal at the LA 2028 Olympic Games. 

The 26-year-old has announced he’s moving from Auckland to Melbourne where he’ll train with Nunawading Swim Club in January 2026. Clareburt will be coached by internationally renowned coach Jolyon Finck, and will train with Olympic athletes who also specialise in the medley disciplines.

Clareburt is looking forward to creating a strong Trans-Tasman medley training group.

“We’re looking to create a really strong medley training group in Melbourne. At the moment there’s a really successful medley training group in the US and they’re winning all the medals internationally. If medley swimmers from Australia and New Zealand want to be on the podium we need to have a similar group in the southern hemisphere and that’s what we’re looking to set up.”

Reflecting on the move and the opportunities it brings, Clareburt explained:

“Being surrounded by this group day-in day-out is going to allow me to keep developing my swimming and pushing myself. I’m also 26 and have lived in New Zealand all my life, so this is an exciting opportunity for me and my partner to live in another country and experience a different culture.”

Clareburt paid tribute to the team which has supported him in Auckland. 

“I can’t speak highly enough of my time in Auckland. Mitch Nairn has been an amazing coach and my physios and strength and conditioning team have been awesome." "I’ll still be racing for New Zealand and I’ll be back home quite often for competitions and camps so it’s going to be a great mix for me and I'm excited for a new challenge which should help me reach my goals.”

Swimming NZ Head of High Performance, Graeme Maw, said the organisation is looking forward to supporting Clareburt as he builds toward LA 2028.

“We’re excited to see Lewis continue to develop and chase his goal of a podium finish in LA. Swimming NZ has a strong and supportive relationship with Lewis and with his new coach in Melbourne, and he will remain fully supported by Swimming NZ as he builds toward upcoming pinnacle events.”