Paulka twins earn Warrnambool Swimming Club life membership

Jack and Michael Paulka joined the club in 2000, aged 11, and made their competition debut just a year later at an all-juniors meet in Mortlake.

They’ve since competed at state country, state and national levels.

Michael said the pair were thrilled to be recognised for their achievements at the club.

“It's a bit of an honour, really - there's not too many people on that board in the club rooms that are life members,” he said.

The Paulka brothers represented Warrnambool at nationals in 2002 and ’03 and at country and state competitions from 2002 to ’04.

They won their first medals at country championships in Geelong 2002 and won medals at state level the following year.

Their swimming prowess led them to Carey Grammar and they spent four years representing Carey Aquatic before returning to the south-west.

Michael won a 200-metre backstroke bronze medal at the 2005 nationals during his stint at Carey Grammar.

They also swam at School Sport Victoria level for four years, starting in 2002, and Jack represented Australia at World School Championships in Greece in 2006.

The Paulkas have also represented Warrnambool at open nationals and have mentored around the club.

Michael, who is nearing the end of physiotherapy studies in Sydney, said there were plenty of fond memories for the brothers during their time at the club.

“I think the biggest highlight was just making my first national team, and making it with Jack as well,” he said.

“The other big highlight was in 2004 when the club won the championship.

“Since we’ve been back, (the best bit) is watching the young guys that you’ve seen from the age of 12, watching them train hard and do well.”

Michael extended thanks to his and Jack’s first coach, Jayson Lamb, who has had a big influence on their career.

“We were part of his first swimming squad and he was our very first swimming coach,” Michael said.

“He shaped us as swimmers and as people, too.”