THE SUPERFISH BLOG
Behind the Scenes of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games with Andrew Baildon
Andrew Baildon
Co-Founder | Managing Director
Andrew Baildon is a highly respected leader in the global aquatic industry, recognised for his influence across elite sport, governance and industry development. An Olympian, former Australian Olympic Team Captain, international champion and record-holder, Andrew was one of the world’s leading swimmers for nearly a decade, achieving Commonwealth Games gold medals and world rankings at the highest level.
Beyond the pool, Andrew has played a significant role in shaping the direction of sport in Australia. He was an official ambassador for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and was instrumental in the city’s successful international bid, representing Australia on the global stage. He has served on the boards of key swimming and sporting organisations, contributing to governance, strategic planning and long-term industry advancement.
Andrew is an experienced media commentator, having covered elite swimming for both the Seven Network and Fox Sports, bringing expert analysis and insight to national audiences.
Today, Andrew is a sought-after speaker, advisor and industry voice, delivering perspectives on high-performance pathways, leadership, athlete development and the future of aquatic sport. His rare combination of elite achievement, governance experience and media presence positions him as a trusted contributor to industry boards, major events and broadcast commentary.
ANDREW'S POSTS
Andrew & Flynn Baildon Present at SWIMCON25
September 27, 2025
Andrew Baildon Appointed to Australian Sports Foundation Board
November 9, 2018
Andrew Baildon Appointed to Swimming Australia Board
November 1, 2018
Behind the Scenes of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games with Andrew Baildon
June 30, 2018
Andrew Baildon Appointed to ASCTA Board
April 1, 2018
When the Commonwealth Games Came to the Gold Coast - Andrew Baildon Was Already Part of the Story
For most Australians, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games lasted just 11 unforgettable days. For Andrew Baildon, however, the journey had started years earlier, long before the opening ceremony lit up Carrara Stadium and athletes from across the Commonwealth arrived on the Gold Coast.
As a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, dual Olympian and former Australian swim team captain, Andrew understood exactly what an event of this scale could mean - not only for elite athletes, but for the wider community, local businesses and the future of Australian sport. That experience made him a valuable part of the Gold Coast’s successful bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where he played an ambassadorial role internationally, including representation work in St Kitts & Nevis during the campaign that ultimately secured the Games for the city.
By the time the Games officially arrived in April 2018, Andrew’s involvement had expanded well beyond swimming. He served as Attaché for the Australian Commonwealth Games Team, Chairman of the Athletes Advisory Board for GC2018 and a Committee Member for both the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Sport & Technical Committee and the Queensland Government Legacy Program. Collectively, these roles placed him at the centre of one of the most significant sporting events ever hosted in Australia.
The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games became historic for many reasons. They were the first Games to feature an equal number of medal events for men and women and also delivered the largest integrated para-sport program in Commonwealth Games history. More than 4,400 athletes from 71 nations competed across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns, placing South East Queensland firmly on the world sporting stage.
For Andrew, though, the event carried something even more personal. This was his home city. The same coastline where he trained as a young swimmer was now hosting the world, and the same community where he and wife Karen had built Superfish Swim Schools was suddenly at the centre of international attention.
Throughout the Games, Andrew worked closely with athletes, officials and organisers while also attending community events, media appearances and official functions across the two weeks. Those who know Andrew understand how naturally he fits these environments - equally comfortable poolside, on stage or speaking to audiences about leadership, performance and the power of sport to inspire people.
The Games also marked a remarkable full-circle moment in Andrew’s career. Back in 1990, he made Commonwealth Games history by becoming the first swimmer in the Commonwealth to break the 50-second barrier in the 100m freestyle while winning gold for Australia. Nearly three decades later, he was helping guide and support a new generation of Australian athletes competing at a home Commonwealth Games.
Away from competition venues, 2018 brought several significant honours. Andrew attended “A Celebration of the Commonwealth” at Buckingham Palace in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal Family, recognising his ongoing contribution to Australian sport and the Commonwealth Games movement. In recognition of the success of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Andrew was awarded the Keys to the City of Brisbane alongside the Australian Commonwealth Games Team at an official civic reception on 27 April 2018.
For many people, achievements like these would comfortably define a career, but Andrew’s contribution to swimming and sport has always extended far beyond medals or titles. His focus has consistently been on leadership, mentoring, advocacy and helping shape the future of Australian swimming at every level.
That depth of experience is also one of the defining differences behind Superfish Swim Schools. While many swim schools are simply businesses, Superfish was created by people with genuine international sporting experience and decades of involvement in athlete development, sports governance, media and the swimming industry itself.
For Superfish families, that means children learn from a program built on real-world elite experience, not theory. For organisations seeking an experienced presenter, commentator, keynote speaker or sporting ambassador, Andrew brings a rare combination of international sporting success, media experience, leadership and authentic storytelling ability developed over decades in Australian sport.
The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games officially concluded in April 2018, but their legacy continues to shape the city and inspire future generations of athletes.
Andrew Baildon remains proudly part of that story.