Change without compromise: how Kyle Chalmers is balancing life outside the pool
Life at the elite sporting level demands dedication and focus. For Kyle Chalmers, Olympic champion and one of Australia’s most decorated swimmers, that focus has always been on performance, pushing his body and mind to their limits in the relentless pursuit of victory. But outside the pool, Kyle is navigating a series of life-defining changes: marriage, a baby on the way, a move to the country – all while navigating a shift toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
In a lane of his own
Anyone in Australia who knows swimming knows the name Kyle Chalmers. At just 27 years old, Kyle has already amassed an impressive collection of medals and trophies, including Olympic gold in the 100m Freestyle at the 2016 Rio Games. His performance at the 2025 World Swimming Championships was no exception, where he helped the Australian men’s relay team bring home gold with a blistering freestyle leg.
A South Australian local, Kyle grew up in the close-knit coastal town of Port Lincoln, where his affinity for sport was instilled from a young age. With his father a professional AFL player, it was both swimming and football that were competing for his attention. With two promising sporting careers ahead of him, Kyle ultimately recognised the pool as his true calling, committing fully to swimming and powering forward to become one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes.
Charging through the water, Kyle is a force to be reckoned with. Precise, determined and powerful, he strives to be the best in his discipline, committed to doing whatever it takes to perform (and win) at the highest level.
King of the hill
The high-pressure world of elite sports can be overwhelming. Realising the importance of finding balance, Kyle has created a peaceful retreat in the Adelaide Hills, where he can decompress after the intensity of competition.
Trading city life for space, seclusion and serenity, Kyle and his fiancée Inge have embraced a new rhythm in the country. Their farm is perched among rolling green hills, surrounded by trails, trees and native wildlife. The couple’s days are increasingly shaped by sustainable living. They grow their own food, power their home with solar energy, and care for various farm animals. Moving to the country has helped Kyle balance the relentless pace of his professional life, though this would be the first of several life changes on the horizon.
Looking to the future
As the sun sets over the rolling green hills of Hahndorf, Kyle reflects on the exciting chapters that lie ahead. For a professional athlete, such life changes could easily pull focus away from the water. Instead, they’ve done the opposite. For Kyle, each intentional choice adds strength, balance, and perspective. Just like with Polestar, embracing change doesn’t require compromise. In fact, it might just be the thing to unlock a new competitive edge.
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