Regional Ripple Becomes National Wave For Ruby Boxall

If determination were a stroke, Ruby Boxall would be winning gold in that too.

At just 16 years old, this Mackay-born backstroke sensation has surged into the national spotlight, making serious waves at the 2025 Australian Age and MC Age Swimming Championships in Brisbane, held on April 12–18, where she swam her way to two national titles and a place among Australia’s most promising young athletes.

Representing Somerville House and coached by Olympic-level mentors Timothy Lane and Sarah Caithness, Ruby conquered the 50m Backstroke (29.32) and 100m Backstroke (1:03.26) to take home gold in the 16 Years Girls division. She backed that up with a fourth-place finish in the 200m Backstroke (2:20.35) and podiumed twice more—silver in the 4x50m Medley Relay (16/17 Years QLD State Team) and bronze in the 4x50m Medley Open Relay.

Now, her stellar efforts have landed her a coveted spot at Swimming Australia’s Next Wave Invitational Competition Camp in Canberra this July, a high-performance development pathway eyeing the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. It’s a clear sign that Ruby is no longer just one to watch – she’s one to follow.

Ruby’s story begins not in a capital city, but in the heart of Mackay, where she started training at age eight with Leighanne Pokarier at the Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club. Her breakout came at 13, placing top 10 nationally across all her backstroke events…but it was her next move that revealed the depth of her ambition.

"We’re incredibly proud of Ruby—not just for her success in swimming, but for the way she’s taken full ownership of her journey,” said her mum, Amanda Boxell.

"At just 13, she applied for a scholarship to Somerville House, one of Brisbane’s top schools and elite swimming programs—without telling us!

"It wasn’t until the coach called to arrange a parent meeting that we found out."

Amanda added, "That’s the kind of courage, discipline, and belief she brings to the pool every day. As a teacher, I share Ruby’s story to remind our regional kids that with courage, planning, and belief in yourself, no dream is too far from reach."

Ruby has since claimed Queensland titles in the 50m and 200m Backstroke, represented the state at the New Zealand Short Course Championships (medalling in all backstroke events, including gold in the 100m), and qualified for the 2024 Australian Olympic Trials.

Fuelled by determination and a region rallying behind her, Ruby Boxall is not merely chasing podium finishes – she’s charting a course toward greatness, one stroke at a time.

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Mackay’s Ruby Boxall has turned heads nationwide, claiming double gold and a place in Australia’s Olympic pathway. Photos supplied

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