Written by Selina Ferrais
Just turned 18, Hervey Bay born and bred, Xavier Metcalfe is an Australian National Medallist, with a quiet confidence that draws you in. He listens, like he really listens. He’s got all the time in the world; it seems and nowhere else he would rather be. He speaks with an easy smile that makes you feel like you’ve known him since before the universe. It’s the smile of someone who’s at peace with himself. Nothing to prove. His kind of warmth doesn’t fit the usual trope of a high-performing athlete, but it makes perfect sense once you meet him. He’s humble. Unassumingly relatable yet undeniably exceptional, and a focus in his eyes that hints at something deeper. He carries the quiet fire of someone who’s purpose is crystal clear. He’s already three steps ahead. Wisdom beyond his years, shaped by years of dedication and hard work. Xavier is grateful for the opportunities he’s had but doesn’t take them for granted. “I’m lucky” he comments. Lucky? I press. He grins a coy response. We make our own luck, don’t we?
Xavier’s journey into the sport began at an early age, buoyed by a supportive network and community as a member of the Learn to Swim program at KickSwim centre (formally Elder’s). By the age of six, he was already in his first squad, and just a year later, he was competing in his first swim meet. As a kid, Xavier played around with different sports. Donned football (soccer) boots on the weekend and even took a passing turn at triathlons, but swimming was the one that stuck. “Even at a young age I knew that swimming was going to be a big part of my life because I enjoy everything about it. I love the personal challenge of trying to better yourself each time you race and train, the healthy and active lifestyle that swimming promotes, the amazing community of people that surrounds the pool and my swim club, and all the friends I’ve made from so many different places over the years. Swimming will always be a part of my life.” Xavier muses.
By the time he was ten, Xavier was representing Queensland at the National level. “It wasn’t about the competition for me but more the focus and bettering myself,” he says, with quiet conviction. For Xavier, it’s not the medals or the titles that drive him but the rhythm of the water, the addictive pull of the flow-state he settles into. Swimming gives him peace, a rare kind of stillness in motion. It’s his time to be fully present, letting the world dissolve around him as he moves through the water. Not for fame. Not for records – although smashing a PB he says, is most definitely a goal of his in the short term. For Xavier, it is quite obvious the joy lies in the act itself. Hard work and early mornings are simply the price of entry, a more-than-fair exchange for something he loves to the core of the marrow in his bones.
Xavier’s daily routine is a masterclass in discipline. Waking by 5 a.m. to dive into the water at 6 a.m. he trains until 7:30 a.m. before heading off to school at Fraser Coast Anglican College (by the time this goes print, Xavier will have finished year 12). After school, it’s back to the pool for another training session, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The evenings are filled with a balance of recovery, schoolwork, and self-care. Weekends are reserved for study and fuelling his body for the demanding schedule. “In order to perform at my best, I need to take care of my body,” Xavier explains. “That means enough sleep, eating well, physio exercises, stretching – everything has to work together.” It’s meticulous, yes. Not a lot of wiggle room for error or flights of fancy but for Xavier, it’s also the foundation of his success. His long-time coaches, Marcus and Liz at Fraser Coast Swim Club, have helped him balance the physical demands with the mental and emotional resilience required to compete at the highest levels. “You can’t beat yourself up when something doesn’t go your way. You have to celebrate all the wins – big and small.” He comments.
As Xavier looks toward the future, his next step will see him leave his coastal home on the Fraser Coast for the big city lights of Brisbane, where he will continue to balance his swimming and academic goals, including a degree in engineering. His training will continue as he works toward the holy grail, the zenith for elite athletes – representing Australia at the World Championships and the Olympics.
But he won’t get ahead of himself. There’s something he must see to first, something his gaze is laser-focused on: his current personal bests. Soon to be forgotten whispers in the wind, these benchmarks are set to be distant memories. Xavier’s goal is clear: to create new PBs at the upcoming State Long Course Championships, keeping his head firmly in the present.
Xavier loves Hervey Bay. It’s where his swimming began and where it’s been nurtured to bloom. “I will miss it’ he says. It’s a familiar face, an easy pace, everything in a languid arm’s reach. Hervey Bay isn’t just where he learned to swim; it’s where he learned about the value of support, persistence, and balance. As he heads to Brisbane for the next step in his journey, he’ll carry those lessons with him. It’s not just a town to him. It’s home.
His advice to younger swimmers is simple but profound in its approach: “Understand that every big dream starts with small steps. You don’t have to be the best right now; you just need to find ways to better yourself. Dreams take time and effort, so it is important to stay focused and give your best even on tough days. You don’t need the high-tech gadgets or state of the art training facilities – but you do need a community and to love what you do”.
What stands out most about Xavier isn’t just his talent, it is his connection to the people around him. In a seemingly solo sport, his journey has never been an individual pursuit but a shared effort, built on the sacrifices of his loved ones, the camaraderie of team mates, and the guidance of coaches. At the Fraser Coast Swim Club, where encouragement is second nature, he found not just training but a family that celebrates every step of his journey.
As he prepares to leave Hervey Bay for Brisbane, Xavier carries with him more than ambition. He holds the lessons of home, balance, hard work, and the joy of doing what you love. His story is not just about medals but about the belief that he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.
Xavier is a star athlete not just because of his achievements in the pool, but because of the way he walks through life. Medals don’t define him. Success hasn’t changed him. He’s defined by the integrity, focus, and humility he brings to everything he does. In the water, his discipline and determination set him apart, pushing him to constantly improve, while outside the pool, his genuine care for those around him shows a depth that makes him not only a remarkable athlete but a truly exceptional person.
He’s a beacon for others who will come after him and a lesson to those who have preceded him. His ability to listen, support, and inspire others is what makes Xavier stand out. He understands that success is never a solo journey; it’s a road built with the help of the people who have your back, who stand by you along the way. His gratitude for those who’ve supported him is authentic. For Xavier, greatness isn’t just about the finish line. It is about how you walk with others, how you swim with others and how you inspire those around you to be better.
Xavier is more than an athlete; he’s a leader, a teammate, and a role model. And that’s why, when you meet him, it’s clear he’s destined for greatness, in and out of the pool.
“A big thank you to KickSwim in Hervey Bay. Our squad are gifted lane hire/club night hire, and are they always support our club. They are a huge part of driving the success of our swimmers.” – Xavier and is mum Kyleigh.