Perth's Stephen Milne reflects on his special journey after announcing retirement from competitive swimming

dailyrecord.co.uk:

There was excitement and perhaps a slight hint of nervousness as the march was made from Perth Leisure Pool’s upper level, down the winding stairs and into the depths of the changing rooms.A little wide-eyed nine-year-old kid strapped on his goggles, shuffled to the meet point and stood on the precipice of the calm water and a momentous occasion.It was Stephen Milne’s first official day as a Perth City Swim Club member and the start of a journey that, certainly to begin with, fell more into the social category than competitive.In other words, as Milne quickly revealed, joining the club allowed the opportunity to visit a friend’s house after school - and vice-versa - before training would commence later in the evening.“I had a friend from school who was in the club,” Milne explains. “They had spoken to me and said, if you’re in the club, we can go to each others’ houses after school before going to swimming in the evening.“I remember the club being very friendly but I was nervous because I didn’t know the simple things like which lane I should be in.

I was, however, helped straight away by coaches and volunteers.“I had been doing lessons with Live Active Leisure at the pool anyway but wanted to give the club a shot.

It seems a long time ago but I can vividly remember that day I joined the club.”That introduction to popular Perth City Swim Club was most likely a familiar tale told across many local households.There would be a familiar face too in Ann Dickson, the dedicated club coach who has become synonymous with all things swimming in Perth and who would later form a truly spectacular partnership with Milne.“There were a few volunteers who taught me how to swim when I started off,” Milne continues.“But I also remember