North Lakes Teen Max Cunningham Makes National Splash

North Lakes teenager Max Cunningham has surged to national attention after a standout performance at the Australian Age Swimming Championships, securing his place among the country’s most promising young athletes.


Read: North Lakes Teen Max Cunningham Dominates State Swim Championships with Five Golds


At just 15 years old, Max delivered an impressive five-medal haul at the national event in Brisbane. His efforts included gold in the 50m backstroke, silver medals in the 100m backstroke and both 50m and 100m butterfly, and a bronze in the 100m butterfly. 

Photo credit: Max Cunningham/Instagram

He narrowly missed the podium in the 50m freestyle, finishing fourth. These results have earned him a coveted spot in Swimming Australia’s Next Wave Competition Camp, a key part of the pathway to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

Max, who began his swimming journey with Grace Swim Club in nearby Rothwell, now represents Brisbane Grammar School under the guidance of coach Bobby Javanovich. His steady climb through Queensland’s competitive swimming ranks has been marked by dedication, consistency, and a willingness to embrace challenges—traits that continue to set him apart.

Max Cunningham
Photo credit: Max Cunningham/Instagram

The Next Wave camp, held in Canberra from 6 to 12 July, brings together 64 of the nation’s top junior swimmers. Participants were selected based on their top-three finishes at the national age titles, with the program designed to simulate high-pressure racing environments and build resilience through repeated competition.

Max’s selection places him alongside the most elite youth talent in the country and marks a major milestone in his athletic development. It also affirms the strength of swimming in the Moreton Bay region, where grassroots clubs like Grace Swim Club continue to nurture future stars.


Read: Moreton Bay Aquatic Centres Offer Summer Fun and Fitness


With an eye on future national championships and the long-term goal of Olympic competition, Max remains focused on refining his technique and learning from Australia’s top coaches. His journey is one to watch—not just for local pride in North Lakes, but as part of a broader national push to develop the next generation of champions.

Published 12-May-2025

North Lakes Teen Max Cunningham Dominates State Swim Championships with Five Golds

Max Cunningham, a 14-year-old from North Lakes, dominated the recent Queensland State Swimming Championships at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre.



Cunningham, who previously trained at Grace Swimming Club and now attends Churchie on a scholarship, won five gold medals in the 14-year-old age group. His events included the 100m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 100-m freestyle, 50-m backstroke and 200-m freestyle.

Max Cunningham sets state record

In the 100-m freestyle, Cunningham clocked an impressive time of 52.96 seconds to not only win gold but also set a new state record in the event for his age group.

Earlier in the meet, Cunningham won his age group’s 100m butterfly with the fourth-fastest time ever recorded in 56.38 seconds.

Gold medals in the 50-m freestyle, 50-m backstroke and 200-m freestyle took his tally to five.



In addition to his five gold medals, Cunningham also won two bronze medals in the 200-m freestyle and the club mixed freestyle relay.

Published 23-December-2023