Australian Olympic Champion and World Record holder Stephanie Rice
My Sports Academy (MSA), one of the premier swimming organizations in the UAE, has entered into a significant collaboration with Stephanie Rice, the Australian Olympic Champion and World Record holder now living in Dubai. Rice will take the lead in My Swim Club, the most comprehensive swimming initiative in the region, which is aimed at promoting water safety, enhancing confidence through swim education, and developing future champions through excellence in performance for all ages.
The partnership combines MSA’s 14 years of regional experience with Rice’s top-tier performance knowledge, creating programs designed to revolutionize swimming education throughout the UAE.
“Growing up, I always aspired to be an Olympic swimmer, and I’m thankful to have had access to some of the best learn-to-swim programs in the world. I’m excited to support MSA’s initiative in Dubai, which is now my home, as their program maintains the same high teaching standards I was lucky to experience. I hope all children here benefit from an equally high-quality swimming education, whether they aim to become Olympic champions or simply wish to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches and pools with confidence,” expressed Stephanie Rice.
Rice will actively contribute to the development of curricula and coaching support at MSA locations and affiliated schools, including Dubai British School (Barsha & Mira), Jumeirah Baccalaureate School (Al Wasl), The English College (Umm Suqeim & Mira), and Brighton College (Al Barsha South).
MSA’s programs are designed for all stages of a swimmer’s development, equipping participants of various ages and skill levels with vital water safety skills while also providing clear paths toward competitive excellence.
“Having a three-time Olympic champion like Stephanie Rice involved adds elite experience and a new outlook to our training teams. As the Head Coach at MSC, I’m very eager to work with her this season. Our development pathway aims to foster both performance and character while sparking a lasting passion for the sport at every level,” stated Dimitrije Didic, Head Coach of MSA.
Swimming is increasingly popular in the UAE, bolstered by initiatives such as around-the-clock night-swimming beaches, water parks, upscale residential projects, and a strong governmental focus on promoting health and leisure. Nonetheless, drowning continues to be a leading cause of accidental fatalities globally, a concern echoed in the UAE as noted by the World Health Organization.
Through a mix of infrastructure enhancement, community involvement, and global sports expertise, the UAE is establishing a robust swimming culture. MSA, which has already celebrated remarkable achievements like winning the Dubai Open 2024/25, aims to set a new benchmark for swimming education in the Middle East under Rice’s guidance.
This partnership allows MSA to reinforce its commitment to ensuring that every child in the UAE not only learns how to swim but does so with assurance, competence, and comfort.