- Became a household name at Sydney Olympics
- Has battled his personal demons in retirement
- Is looking strong, fit and healthy in rare public appearance
Celebrated Aussie swimming champion Geoff Huegill has made a rare public appearance as he enjoyed a sunny day at Bondi Beach with his children, Rafe, Gigi, and Mila.
The former Olympian, known for his remarkable career in butterfly events, appeared fit and happy, showcasing his renewed focus on health and wellbeing.
The 45-year-old’s public outing follows a significant period of personal transformation, including overcoming struggles with his weight after retiring from professional swimming in 2004.
During his prime in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the man nicknamed ‘Skippy’ claimed two World Championship golds in the 50m butterfly, set multiple world records, and won numerous medals at the Commonwealth Games.
He also represented Australia in two Olympic Games, earning a silver and bronze medal in relay events at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Despite retiring in 2004, Huegill made a stunning comeback in 2010, shedding significant weight and securing two gold medals at the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Former Australian Olympian Geoff Huegill spend time at Bondi Beach with his children Rafe, Gigi and Mila
It was sun’s out, guns out for the former swimmer as he showed off his shredded rig while building sandcastles with his son
Huegill has transformed himself after his much publised addiction issues after retiring from the sport
Huegill has faced challenges beyond the pool, including a publicised battle with mental health and substance use.
In 2014, he and his then-wife Sara Hills were charged with drug possession, which he later acknowledged as a turning point.
‘Venturing down a path of sobriety was one of the best things I did.’ Huegill said at the time.
‘Unfortunately, I lost that marriage. There were many other factors as to why that marriage didn’t work’
‘I lost sponsors. I lost job opportunities. I was building businesses – I had to close all of those businesses,’ he said.
‘Even though I wasn’t given a criminal conviction, it was still death by media.’
A life-altering ADHD diagnosis also helped him better understand himself and his past.
Speaking about his diagnosis, he said, ‘The wave of emotions I had to go through after the diagnosis… it’s definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made in my whole life.’
Huegill now lives in Singapore and is not seen in public very often, but was happy to mingle with the crowd with his children under the summer sun
After starring at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Huegill’s weight blew out as he struggled with drug issues
Huegill also took part in the recent Oceanman Phuket open-water swimming event in Thailand.
Now living in Singapore with his partner, lawyer Roxy Toll, Huegill continues to embrace a fulfilling life.
His dedication to health has been evident in recent years, most notably when he participated in the Oceanman Phuket open-water swimming event in Thailand.
This premier competition, set against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea, challenges swimmers with various race categories, including the Oceanman distance, Half Oceanman, Sprint, and relay options.
Huegill shared his excitement about the event on Instagram, stating, ‘Great effort by the team over the weekend.’
