SHAYNA JACK

Written by: Bree Rizzo

Shayna Jack is a name that resonates far beyond the lanes of the swimming pool. As an Olympian and recipient of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), the Australian swimmer has earned multiple international accolades, including Olympic, Commonwealth Games, and World Championship medals, solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with. But what truly sets Shayna apart is her strength outside of the pool—a story of resilience and the ability to overcome some of the toughest challenges life can throw her way.

Shayna’s passion for swimming began at the age of 18 months, when she first found herself immersed in the water. By 10 years old, she was already setting her sights on the Olympics, telling her family that she would one day compete on the world’s biggest stage. As a young athlete, Shayna developed a fierce determination, and by the time she was 24, she had already experienced both the highest of highs and the most devastating lows.

Her career reached new heights when she won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and helped break a world record with the Australian 4x100m Freestyle Relay team. But just as quickly as things were looking up, Shayna found herself thrown into a world of lawyers, financial strain, and mental health challenges after facing allegations of a prohibited substance in her sport. The public scrutiny was intense, and few could have imagined the toll it would take on anyone. But Shayna was determined to fight for her name and her place in the sport she loves. 

Her comeback wasn’t just about returning to the pool - it was about proving to herself and the world that setbacks don’t define who we are. After clearing her name, Shayna returned to the Australian swim team, more determined than ever to represent her country. She secured her place in the 2022 World Championships and Commonwealth Games, where she triumphed with gold in the Women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay, silver in the Women’s 100m Freestyle, and bronze in the Women’s 50m Freestyle. In 2024, she qualified for the Paris Olympics and came home with two gold medals. She clinched gold in both the Women's 4x100m Freestyle Relay and the Women's 4x200m Freestyle Relay events, contributing significantly to Australia's success in these relays.

Shayna’s impact extends far beyond the water. She’s passionate about giving back to the community, using her platform to advocate for integrity in sport, mental health awareness, and the importance of resilience. Whether she’s mentoring young athletes, speaking at events, or sharing her story, Shayna’s mission is clear: to inspire others to dream big and never give up.

 Off the starting blocks, Shayna is passionate about giving back to the community. She uses her platform to advocate for integrity in sport, mental health awareness, and the importance of resilience. Whether mentoring young athletes, speaking at events, or sharing her story, Shayna aims to inspire the next generation to dream big and keep being 1% better every day.

Shayna’s commitment to her craft and her character shines through in every stroke she takes, both in and out of the water. She’s more than an athlete; she’s a symbol of hope, grit, and the power of second chances.