Victoria Belando Nicholson is quickly making her mark, with the 18-year-old Para swimmer named Emerging Athlete of the Month for March following a dominant run in the pool.
Competing in the S9 classification across freestyle and backstroke, Belando Nicholson put together a standout performance at the 2026 Australian Multi-Class Age Championships, claiming five gold medals in a clean sweep that underlined both her versatility and racing strength.
It’s the kind of form that’s fast-tracked her rise through Australian swimming and now earned her selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The call-up caps a breakthrough year, as Belando Nicholson continues her rapid transition from emerging prospect to national representative.
Reflecting on the award, Belando Nicholson said she was surprised and grateful for the recognition.
“Honestly, I never even considered being awarded this. It feels great knowing that my training during the past months is being transferred into my racing and I’m thankful that it’s been recognised,” Belando Nicholson said.
Her journey in sport has been shaped by both transition and resilience, having moved to Australia where she discovered a pathway that ultimately led her to Para Swimming at an elite level.
“Taking up swimming when I came to Australia was and is the biggest part of my journey here.
I’ve been through a few challenges that have helped me grow personally and also as an athlete.”
“Through swimming I’ve learned valuable lessons and achieved things that I never would’ve imagined when I first arrived here, but most importantly, I’ve met so many amazing people all over the country that I get to call my friends.”
Belando Nicholson’s sporting background began in team sport before she transitioned into competitive swimming, balancing both disciplines for several years.
“I started playing water polo when I was about nine years old and absolutely loved it from the beginning. When we moved to Australia, I continued playing water polo but also started swimming to keep fit,” Belando Nicholson reminisced.
“Up until last year, I had a crossover between both sports for three years. Water polo was always a lot of fun because I’ve always enjoyed team sports and being around my teammates all the time, whereas swimming is much more individual.
“I love swimming and everything it has brought me; that being said I do still miss water polo but doing both while swimming at this level just became too much.”
Now focused fully on swimming, she has also spoken about the broader impact of Para sport beyond competition.
“Para Swimming gives athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level on the world stage. It also encourages inclusivity, awareness and helps create more visibility around para-athletes and para-sport that can inspire younger athletes to participate and achieve great things in their future in and out of sport,” Belando Nicholson said.
The Commonwealth Games Australia Emerging Athlete of the Month program recognises athletes who demonstrate exceptional performance, potential, and dedication to their sport.
Belando Nicholson’s award marks another milestone in a breakthrough year as she continues building toward future international competition.
The Commonwealth Games serves as a platform for developing the future stars of Australian sport and the Emerging Athlete of the Year forms part of a refreshed Awards and Honours program developed by the CGA Heritage and Awards Committee.
The CGA Emerging Athlete of the Year Award celebrates the next generation of Australian sport stars and those that may make an impact for Australia at major sport events in the future.
Over the course of 2026, an athlete will be recognised each month as the Emerging Athlete of the Month and will receive a $500 contribution towards their training and competition expenses.
Three finalists from the monthly winners will then split a $7000 cash prize, with the winner receiving $5000 and the two runners-up $1000 respectively.
