Award-winning swimmer Stephanie Rice, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has linked up with My Sports Academy in Dubai

Stephanie Rice, the successful Australian swimmer who won three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was named World Swimmer of the Year in 2008, has partnered with My Sports Academy (MSA) in the UAE.

Rice will be actively involved in supporting coaches and curriculum development across various MSA venues and schools in Dubai, including Dubai British School (Barsha & Mira), Jumeirah Baccalaureate School (Al Wasl), The English College (Umm Suqeim & Mira), and Brighton College (Al Barsha South).

Dimitrije Didic, Head Coach of MSA, expresses excitement about Rice's involvement, as her elite-level experience and fresh perspective will benefit the squads. As Head Coach at MSA's swimming program (MSC), Didic looks forward to collaborating with Rice this season.

With Rice's leadership, MSA is setting a new gold standard for swimming education in the Middle East. The academy's programs are tailored to every stage of a swimmer's journey, ensuring individuals of all ages and abilities gain essential water-safety skills and have the opportunity to progress to the highest levels of performance.

The MSA pathway aims to develop both performance and character, while fostering a lifelong love for swimming at every level. Swimming is on the rise in the UAE, driven by factors such as 24/7 night-swimming beaches, hot climate, rising disposable incomes, urbanization, water parks, high-profile swimming events, and a focus on wellness and leisure.

Rice will spearhead MSA's swimming programs, including My Swim Club, designed for water safety, learn-to-swim education, and nurturing future champions. MSA's commitment to excellence has already resulted in victory at the Dubai Open 2024/25.

Despite the growing popularity of swimming, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide, including in the UAE, highlighting the need for greater water safety. The collaboration aims to deliver programs that save lives, build confidence, and nurture the next generation of champions.

Rice, an Australian Olympic Champion and World Record holder, is thrilled to support MSA's program in Dubai, where she now resides. Her hope is that children in Dubai benefit from the same high-quality swim education, whether they dream of becoming Olympic champions or simply want to enjoy the city's beaches and pools safely.

The UAE government's focus on tourism and real estate development fuels the demand for swimming pools in resorts, hotels, and residential communities. The UAE is committed to building a vibrant swimming culture through infrastructure, community engagement, and international sporting events.

With Rice's involvement, MSA is poised to continue its mission of empowering every child to not only learn to swim, but to swim with skill, confidence, and ease.

Award-winning swimmer Stephanie Rice, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has linked up with My Sports Academy in Dubai