Scott Kelly (centre) with his sons Hunter (left) and Finn. Picture supplied.
St Columba's students and brothers Hunter and Finn Kelly are proving themselves as a power pairing in the pool, with both of them currently ranked top 10 in Open Water in the country.
14-year-old Finn has earned medals in all Championship events since October last year, including Bronze in his first Australian Open Water Championships.
17-year-old Hunter also secured 5th place in his 5 kilometre Open Water swim, and hopes to make it to Olympic Trials being held in June.
Much like Penrith sisters Jess and Noemie Fox the brothers train together, hitting the pool as early as 5.30am each morning and returning in the evening.
The next step for the brothers is the Australian Age Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast, to be held in April. Hunter even achieved National Qualifying Times for all distances from 50 metres right up to 10 kilometres.
Hunter said: "It is great to be part of a squad, and we all push each other. I am motivated to see what I'm capable of, and getting the most out of myself.
"I'd love to make the Olympic Trials in the 800 Freestyle. I still need to take some time off, but I have a couple of months."
Finn said: "Hanging out with my friends is good fun, but I really enjoy seeing my times come down during training.
"This is my first year at the National Age Championships in the pool, so I'd like to make the final in 1500 Freestyle. That would be great."
The boys' father, Scott Kelly, was so inspired by his sons' dedication to both swimming and schoolwork that he decided to dive in himself.
"I'm really proud that they're working hard, there's no shortcuts, and they're doing everything they can to reach their potential," Mr Kelly said.
He thanked Lower Blue Mountains Swim Club for their support for Hunter and Finn, along with the boys' school St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood.
In support of his sons and their efforts, Mr Kelly is swimming 60 kilometres this month for Laps for Life, raising funds for youth mental health service ReachOut.
He's swimming in honour of Claudia Neale, an elite-level swimmer and inspiration to the brothers who was lost to suicide in 2020.
"It really hit home for me that if there was something I could do for youth mental health, to raise money, I'd absolutely do that," he told the Gazette.
"I'm not a spring chicken anymore so doing those sorts of distances is a challenge, but nothing compares to what some of these young kids are going through."
He said Claudia was an inspiration to his own boys, and he remembers Hunter and Finn seeing her swim and expressing they hoped to be as fast as her someday.
ReachOut provides information, support, and resources about mental health issues to help young Australians develop resilience and seek help when they need it.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Blue Mountains Gazette
Katoomba news, sport and weather.
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10 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today’s Pathways to Possibility event was a wonderful success! Our First Nations students had the opportunity to hear from a panel of representatives from Macquarie University, University of Wollongong, Australian Catholic University, UNSW, UTS, Western Sydney University, The University of Sydney and Charles Sturt University. After the panel discussion, students enjoyed lunch together before attending an expo where they were able to have one-on-one conversations with university representatives about pathways, opportunities and life after school. Our students were outstanding throughout the day. They embraced the opportunity with curiosity, confidence and respect, asking thoughtful questions and engaging so positively with the universities. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented themselves and our school. A heartfelt thank you to the university representatives who generously gave their time to share their experiences, insights and encouragement. Your presence made the day meaningful and inspiring for our students. It was also a privilege to welcome Aunty Julie Waddell from Jarara Cultural Centre - thank you for joining us. Finally, thank you to the parents who came along in the afternoon to support their young people and be part of the conversations about future possibilities. Your support means so much. Events like this truly highlight what is possible when schools, families, community and universities come together to support our young people. The future is full of possibility! Macquarie University Australian Catholic University (ACU) University of Sydney UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia Western Sydney University UNSW Charles Sturt University UTS: University of Technology Sydney Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Year 8 da Vinci Decathlon team for taking out third place in their competition on 25 February. What a fantastic achievement! We are so proud of the way our teams from Years 7 to 10 represented the College. The students worked incredibly hard across all disciplines, showcasing their ingenuity, knowledge and creativity. Well done!
Latest News More news
10 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today’s Pathways to Possibility event was a wonderful success! Our First Nations students had the opportunity to hear from a panel of representatives from Macquarie University, University of Wollongong, Australian Catholic University, UNSW, UTS, Western Sydney University, The University of Sydney and Charles Sturt University. After the panel discussion, students enjoyed lunch together before attending an expo where they were able to have one-on-one conversations with university representatives about pathways, opportunities and life after school. Our students were outstanding throughout the day. They embraced the opportunity with curiosity, confidence and respect, asking thoughtful questions and engaging so positively with the universities. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented themselves and our school. A heartfelt thank you to the university representatives who generously gave their time to share their experiences, insights and encouragement. Your presence made the day meaningful and inspiring for our students. It was also a privilege to welcome Aunty Julie Waddell from Jarara Cultural Centre - thank you for joining us. Finally, thank you to the parents who came along in the afternoon to support their young people and be part of the conversations about future possibilities. Your support means so much. Events like this truly highlight what is possible when schools, families, community and universities come together to support our young people. The future is full of possibility! Macquarie University Australian Catholic University (ACU) University of Sydney UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia Western Sydney University UNSW Charles Sturt University UTS: University of Technology Sydney Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Year 8 da Vinci Decathlon team for taking out third place in their competition on 25 February. What a fantastic achievement! We are so proud of the way our teams from Years 7 to 10 represented the College. The students worked incredibly hard across all disciplines, showcasing their ingenuity, knowledge and creativity. Well done!
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Rhianna Jackson (Class of 2025) whose HSC Textiles and Design major work, “Eternal Aureate,” is currently on exhibition at Gallery 76 in Concord West. This prestigious exhibition features just 37 works selected from the 1,488 students across NSW who completed the course in 2025. Being chosen is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to Rhianna’s creativity, dedication, and craftsmanship. “Eternal Aureate” showcases intricate textile techniques and striking colour transitions that evoke warmth, movement, and transformation. It is wonderful to see Rhianna’s talent recognised at this level. We are incredibly proud of you, Rhianna! The exhibition is open until 24 April 2026 and is well worth the visit. Entry to the general public is free during regular gallery hours. All details here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/awards-and-events/showcases-courses-events/texstyle Embroiderers' Guild NSW Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese NSW Department of Education
27 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 12 College Leadership Team recently joined student leaders from across the Parramatta Diocese at LIFTED Leaders 2026. The LIFTED Leaders program provides an opportunity for young leaders to connect, strategise and lead change in their communities. During the day the students heard from Bishop Vincent Long, who encouraged them to lead with courage and compassion, just as Jesus did. They shared their leadership goals for 2026 and discussed social justice and spirituality initiatives. This was a wonderful opportunity for our College leaders to reflect, learn and grow alongside other leaders within our Catholic schools.
19 Feb 2026
From Facebook
OPEN AFTERNOON FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES We warmly invite families to visit St Columba's Catholic College for our Year 7, 2027 Open Afternoon on Tuesday 3 March 2026 from 4-6pm. Find out more and register your attendance here: https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-day/stcolumbasspringwood#form-section We look forward to meeting you!
19 Feb 2026
From Facebook
We are so pleased to share some of the wonderful success stories from the College's Class of 2025 in our HSC Achievements publication. You can find a copy in this week's @bmgazette.
17 Feb 2026
From Facebook
🥇NSW Champion! Congratulations James (Y8) on recently winning gold at the Athletics NSW State Combined Event Championships in the 14 boys heptathlon. James has qualified for the Australian Athletics Championships in Brisbane in April, where he will represent NSW in the heptathlon, 100m hurdles and 200m hurdles.
13 Feb 2026
From Facebook
We are incredibly proud of Year 12 (Class of 2025) student Noah Osbourne, who took on an unforgettable challenge after completing his HSC - sailing on a voyage with STS Young Endeavour. Following his exams, Noah stepped well outside his comfort zone, joining a crew of young people from across Australia to learn the skills of tall ship sailing, teamwork, leadership and resilience. Programs such as Young Endeavour offer our students a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills and discover what they’re capable of beyond the classroom. Noah’s journey is a wonderful reminder of the value of saying 'yes' to new adventures after school. Well done, Noah — we can’t wait to see where your next voyage takes you! Interested in learning more about sailing with Young Endeavour? Visit: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Young Endeavour Youth Scheme
13 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Members of the Ag Show Team enjoyed the (literal) fruits of the labour yesterday, finally getting to eat the watermelon they planted last year! 🍉 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
10 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations Julian (Y12) and Finn (Y10) on their fantastic results at the 2026 Australian Open Water Championships in Bunbury, Western Australia. Julian placed 5th in the 17 years boys 7.5km swim and 4th in the 17 years boys 5km swim. Finn placed 4th in the 16 years boys 5km swim and 5th in the 16 years boys 7.5km swim. Both Julian and Finn were part of a relay team that competed in the Opens relay and placed 6th in Australia. Well done, Julian and Finn, on these incredible achievements!
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.