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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22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate and farewell the Class of 2026. We thank them for their leadership, friendship and service to the St Columba's Catholic College community. It is with great excitement we watch them prepare to spread their wings beyond the College and share their light with the world. Graduates, as you explore, discover and learn in the years ahead, know you will always be cherished members of the St Columba's family. We wish you tremendous happiness and peace.21 Sep 2026
From Facebook
On Wednesday 14th September, Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh students embarked on their Practice Adventurous Journey in Glenbrook. The students plotted their route, shouldered their hiking packs full of food, water, tents and poles, and were all smiles setting off on their adventure. The Practice trip took them into Glenbrook Gorge, where rock-hopping met creek-crossing and soggy shoes, to Red Hands Cave, learning about the history of the Darug people, camping at the beautiful Apple Tree Flat to the distant sounds of “Columba” by the campfire, and finally to Tunnel View Lookout, watching the sun rise over a sleepy Western Sydney. The students progressed well as individuals and as a group, and are prepared for their upcoming Qualifying Journey in Term 4. A special thank you to Mrs Brough and Mr D'Souza for giving up their time to join the group on their expedition. Good luck Year 10 Silvers for your upcoming Qualifying Journey! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Latest News More news
22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate and farewell the Class of 2026. We thank them for their leadership, friendship and service to the St Columba's Catholic College community. It is with great excitement we watch them prepare to spread their wings beyond the College and share their light with the world. Graduates, as you explore, discover and learn in the years ahead, know you will always be cherished members of the St Columba's family. We wish you tremendous happiness and peace.
21 Sep 2026
From Facebook
On Wednesday 14th September, Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh students embarked on their Practice Adventurous Journey in Glenbrook. The students plotted their route, shouldered their hiking packs full of food, water, tents and poles, and were all smiles setting off on their adventure. The Practice trip took them into Glenbrook Gorge, where rock-hopping met creek-crossing and soggy shoes, to Red Hands Cave, learning about the history of the Darug people, camping at the beautiful Apple Tree Flat to the distant sounds of “Columba” by the campfire, and finally to Tunnel View Lookout, watching the sun rise over a sleepy Western Sydney. The students progressed well as individuals and as a group, and are prepared for their upcoming Qualifying Journey in Term 4. A special thank you to Mrs Brough and Mr D'Souza for giving up their time to join the group on their expedition. Good luck Year 10 Silvers for your upcoming Qualifying Journey! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
20 Sep 2026
From Facebook
A huge congratulations to Year 12 students Emily and Reni, who last night graduated from the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District VET in Schools program! Over the past two years, alongside their HSC studies, Emily and Reni have worked incredibly hard to achieve their qualifications: 🌟 Emily: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance 🌟 Reni: Certificate III in Assistant in Nursing These qualifications represent so much more than classroom learning. Both students have spent long hours in hospitals, undertaken practical placements, embraced new challenges and pushed themselves well beyond their comfort zones. Their dedication and determination have certainly paid off! With their qualifications now complete and university early entry offers already in hand, both young women are well on their way to exciting careers in healthcare. We couldn't be prouder of Emily and Reni for the initiative, commitment and courage they have shown in pursuing their career aspirations while still at school. What an incredible way to finish Year 12! Congratulations, girls! *Published with permission. Nepean Blue Mountains Health Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
19 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Drama Stars who have received nominations in the ONSTAGE HSC Showcase! Zahara, Koby, Hakopa and Gabriel who received a group nomination for their Group Performance, 'The Mysterious Case of the Missing Mutt' and Jemima, Koby and Zahara who all received nominations for their Individual Performances. Outstanding effort from everyone! A very special congratulations also to Mrs Carmen Noonan, whose expertise, passion and dedication have supported and inspired our Drama students throughout their HSC journey. To have five students receive ONSTAGE nominations is an outstanding achievement and a wonderful reflection of Carmen’s commitment to nurturing the talent, creativity and confidence of her students. *Photos published with permission of the families. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
18 Sep 2026
From Facebook
At our recent College Assembly, the St Columba’s community came together to make an incredible contribution to Jesuit Social Services (JSS) and the Ignite Food Store at Mount Druitt. Thanks to the generosity of our students and families, we donated a whole truckload of non-perishable food items and nappies to help stock the shelves at Ignite and support individuals and families in our wider community. But the giving didn’t stop there! Funds raised through our St Columba’s Day celebrations also enabled us to make a significant monetary donation to JSS, providing further support to purchase much-needed supplies for the Ignite Food Store. We are incredibly proud of the generosity shown by our College community. It’s a wonderful example of our faith in action and of what can happen when we work together to make a difference. Thank you to everyone who donated, fundraised and helped make this possible! *AI generated image for student privacy and protection. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
18 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Year 7 students from St Columba's had a wild time participating in a travelling reptile show recently! From scaly friends to slithering surprises, students got an up-close look at some fascinating creatures. There was plenty of excitement, along with a few nerves, and lots of memorable learning experiences. 🐊🐍🦎 #ReptileShow #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #HandsOnLearning Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our College came together to recognise R U OK? Day. A day that reminds us of the importance of checking in, listening and supporting those around us. Staff and students embraced the day by wearing a yellow accessory and adding their favourite happy songs to our collaborative playlist. Most importantly, it was a reminder that asking “R U OK?” shouldn’t be limited to one day. Checking in, listening and looking out for one another is something we can do anytime 💛
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Great article about St Columba's alum, Olivia King, in the Blue Mountains Gazette this week. Congratulations Liv on the hashtag#YellowPencil - such brilliant recognition for such amazing work. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Penguin Books SFMOMA San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
16 Sep 2026
From Facebook
At College Assembly this morning we celebrated many things, including the fantastic success of the College Show Team, who cleaned up at the Penrith Show recently. In events ranging from parading, judging and railing to events for animals, our College was represented. Too many place getters to name here, but congratulations to every single student who stepped up and got involved! Our College Champions were: 🥇Olivia P Champion Expert Parader 🥇Champion school calf railing competition. 🥇Champion Jnr heifer fitting comp summah and Eva yr 8 🥇Champion fleece judging Evy yr 10 🥇Champion team cattle judging Anastasia and Anika yr12 🥇Champion sheep judging Anastasia yr 12 A special shout out to Ms Sibbald who got the team ready and was with them for the entire duration of the Show. 🥇Champion Teacher
16 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Our Agriculture students have achieved some fantastic results at the GSSCC Presentation last week, with strong performances across steer, paraders, judging and carcase competitions! Our results included: • 6th – Steer Weight Gain, gaining an impressive 1.145 kg per day over 100 days • 5th – Junior Paraders • 3rd – Senior Paraders • 6th – Beef Appraisal • 2nd – Junior Judging Team • 2nd – Senior Judging Team • 🏆 Champion All Age Team Judging • 🥇 Winner – Junior Judging Team • 3rd – Senior Judging Team • 3rd – Carcase These outstanding results saw St Columba’s named Equal Reserve Champion School for the competition, for the second year in a row! So close to taking out the top spot, and an achievement of which our students can be incredibly proud. Our Agriculture program provides students with a wonderful opportunity to work alongside industry, develop practical skills and make meaningful real-world connections in Agriculture. And there’s more exciting news! 🐓 We were also able to collect our new show birds – a beautiful trio of Light Sussex from highly regarded breeder Diamond Valley Poultry. These new additions will help strengthen our breeding program and give our students the opportunity to become even more competitive in the show ring. Congratulations to all of our students and staff involved in another fantastic showing for St Columba’s! Greater Sydney Schools Cattle Competition Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
16 Sep 2026
From Facebook
‘For where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them.' - Matthew 18:20 College assembly in the turning circle this morning - a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate all that we love about St Columba’s. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
14 Sep 2026
From Facebook
If you are in a position to help, the Blue Mountains Police Area Command would love your support. They are working to put together Care Packs for the Kids with Cancer Foundation and are accepting donations of items at the Springwood and Katoomba Police stations. Check out the post below for items on their list.