William Petric

William Petric grew up in a sporting family in Melbourne and tried his hand at golf and Australian Rules early – he’s still a passionate Richmond Tigers fan. 

But at the age of nine he decided to take the plunge into swimming and joined the Nunawading Swimming Club. 

William rapidly rose through junior ranks, participating in his first national event at just 11 years old at the Pacific School Games.  

At the age of 14, he broke his first Victorian record in the 200m breaststroke and his first Australian record in the same event, previously held by Olympic Champion Zac Stubblety-Cook. 

William’s focus eventually shifted to the individual medley, showcasing his proficiency in all four disciplines. In 2021, he won a spot on the Australian junior team, although the pandemic deprived him of the opportunity to compete. 

When his results began to suffer during his final year of school in 2022, William and his coach meticulously reconstructed his stroke. 

His hard work paid off later that year when he clinched his first international medal in the 200m IM at the Junior Pan Pacs in Hawaii, finishing third in the event. 

He continued to improve through 2023 and at the 2024 Australian Championships on the Gold Coast in April, he won gold in the 200m medley and bronze in the 400m medley, also making the final in the 200m breaststroke. 

He booked his ticket to Paris by winning the 200m IM at the Australian Olympic trials in Brisbane in June, with a time of 1:57.54. 

William’s aim to continue swimming until the home Games in Brisbane in 2032. The prospect of winning an Olympic gold medal on home soil is powerful motivation.