A young swimmer who first learned his craft at Albany Creek Leisure Centre is preparing to represent New Zealand on the international stage after a breakthrough performance at the 2026 New Zealand National Championships.
Nineteen-year-old James Leigh claimed the Open titles in both the 400m and 800m freestyle, finished second in the 200m freestyle and secured selection in New Zealand’s senior team for the Pan Pacific Championships in the United States this August.
Reflecting on the result, James said: “I am the NZ open champion in the 400 and 800 free and second in the 200 free. I was also selected for the Senior team to compete at the Pan Pacific championships during August in USA.”
Full Circle at Albany Creek
While James is now racing at international level, his swimming story began much closer to home.
He first learned to swim through the learn-to-swim program at Albany Creek Leisure Centre. Today, he has come full circle, working at the same facility as a learn-to-swim instructor and lifeguard.
For local families, it means the person helping children build confidence in the water is also an elite swimmer now preparing to test himself on one of the sport’s major international stages.
Years of Work Behind the Result
James had set himself the goal of becoming an Open champion at the New Zealand nationals and spent the past year working towards it. His double victory in the 400m and 800m freestyle marked the reward for that preparation.
The result also reflected a sharp improvement in his times. Even where he had hoped to go slightly faster in some events, his swims still represented major personal bests compared with where he had been 12 months earlier.
His most demanding race mentally was the 200m freestyle, where selection pressure added another layer to the event. Physically, the 800m freestyle was the toughest test, requiring him to maintain a demanding pace over a long distance.
From Local Lessons to International Competition
James’ competitive swimming career began while his family was living in the Philippines for three years. After returning to Australia at the age of 10, he joined Marist College Ashgrove Swim Club, where he continues to train under coach James Boyce.
His training schedule now includes around 20 hours in the pool each week across eight sessions, together with three gym sessions.
As a dual Australian and New Zealand citizen with New Zealand heritage, representing the country carries strong personal meaning for him.
Bigger Goals Ahead
The Pan Pacific Championships will give James another chance to gain international experience against some of the world’s best swimmers.
His longer-term ambitions stretch well beyond this year’s meet. He is building towards future World Championships and, ultimately, the Olympic pathway.
James has acknowledged the support of his family, coach James Boyce, teammates at Marist College Ashgrove Swim Club, Albany Creek Leisure Centre, Coast Swim Club and Metropolitan Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club throughout his swimming journey.
For Albany Creek residents, his story is a reminder that international sporting careers can begin in familiar places. From learning to swim at the local leisure centre to earning national titles and a place on New Zealand’s senior team, James Leigh’s journey has brought him back to where it all started—this time helping the next generation discover the sport.
Published 15-June-2026
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