Dean Boxall will speak at the Legacy lunch. Photo: Supplied.
He’s the coach behind Aussie swim stars such as Ariarne Titmus – now Dean Boxall is bringing his passion and playbook for greatness to Wollongong.
Renowned for his bold poolside celebrations and unmatched ability to turn rising talents into world-beating champions, Boxall will swap the pool for the podium when he headlines the 2025 Wollongong and South Coast Legacy Business and Community Luncheon this August.
The Olympic mentor will share his powerful coaching insights – and help launch National Legacy Appeal Week to support the families of fallen Australian service members.
As the AIS Performance Coach of the Year 2024, he has guided the likes of Titmus and Molly O’Callaghan to international glory, riding their every stroke from the stands and sharing their joy of success in heartfelt displays that resonate with sports lovers.
On 29 August, Boxall will share his unique coaching philosophy, which combines technical excellence with mental fortitude, when he speaks at the annual event.
Since 2008, Wollongong and South Coast Legacy has raised more than $450,000 through the event, with the funds helping the widows and dependants of Defence personnel killed as a result of military action.
Legacy Business and Community Support Committee chairman David Swan said Boxall was an inspiration to many Australians for his passion, energy and drive, as well as his unbridled joy in the achievements of his charges.
“Dean’s coaching strategy has proven itself repeatedly on the international scene, but more important is the respect and confidence he inspires in his swimmers,” Mr Swan said.
“We look forward to hearing his story as we launch the Legacy National Appeal Week for 2025 and call on our community to help us continue supporting the widows and dependants of military personnel killed as a result of military action.”
Mr Swan said Boxall’s innate understanding of leadership performance culture and how to bring out the best in others was reflective of the Legacy values of resilience, national identity and the positive impacts of community and connection.
At the lunch, the coach will share his insights into developing champions and creating environments where excellence thrives.
As the head coach at St Peters Western Swim Club in Brisbane, he has transformed that facility into one of the most elite training programs in the world.
While Titmus’s success at the Tokyo Olympics is among his career-defining moments – when she won gold in the 200m and 400m freestyle events and sparked Boxall’s passionate poolside celebration after she beat Katie Ledecky in the 400m – his impact on Australian swimming runs deeper.
Along with Titmus and O’Callaghan, he has coached Elijah Winnington, Mitch Larkin, Meg Harris, Shayna Jack and Abbey Harkin.
At the Paris Olympics, his impact was heavily felt, with a record-breaking 10 swimmers on the Australian team bringing home 18 medals, including nine gold.
This was one-third of Australia’s total medal haul for the Games.
From Helensburgh to Gerringong, Legacy supports close to 800 widows and dependants by easing financial commitments, providing companionship, helping with children’s education, ensuring medical and welfare services are available, and providing someone to talk to.
The 2025 Wollongong and South Coast Legacy Business and Community luncheon to launch National Appeal Week will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Sage Hotel, Wollongong, on 29 August from noon to 3 pm.
