2 months ago
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As Australians, seeing the beach isn’t exactly a rare treat; many of us grow up on or near the coast. But for the past 14 years I’ve only had a few short weeks each year to actually enjoy the warmth, the sunshine and the Australian coastal lifestyle.
Nick Timmings slides during men’s skeleton run 1 at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Credit: AP
That’s the price you pay when you spend half your life chasing winter as an Olympian in the sport of skeleton. I’ve been bouncing between the Australian winter and the northern hemisphere winter for nearly half of my life. And if it’s taught me anything, it’s this: never take for granted what we have at home. The peace, the ease of it all, and that instantly calming feeling the beach gives you. I miss it every time I’m overseas in some icy, frozen place.
Growing up in Perth, I was always an arm’s length away from incredible beaches, and well and truly spoilt for choice. After moving to Sydney the north shore became home, and again I found myself surrounded by more stunning coastline. But funnily enough, neither Perth nor Sydney holds my favourite beach memory.
Timmings doing some weight training in Artarmon. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
A few years ago, my brother Dean and his partner flew over from Perth and, along with my partner Bonnie, we headed down to Jervis Bay for a little getaway.
It was surprisingly warm for May, and since none of us knew the area well we decided to just wander from one end of the beach to the other.
The white sand instantly reminded me of home, that same soft, squeaky sand Perth is famous for. The water was crystal-clear, barely any waves, absolutely perfect for swimming.
We made a plan: get a good walk in first, heat up properly, then reward ourselves with a swim. As we got closer to the far end of the beach we realised no one else was around. It was just the four of us, strolling along the white sand and in the shallows.
Nick Timmings and friends at Jervis Bay.Credit:
Just as we turned to head in for our swim, we spotted a pod of dolphins cruising close to shore. We all came to the conclusion that the idea of swimming with them seemed completely achievable and, obviously, just a no-brainer.
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Within seconds we were sprinting up the beach, ripping off clothes and wading into the water, just expecting the dolphins to come and say hello. The pod had other ideas and glided away, long before we’d even made it knee-deep.
Dean and I accepted defeat. But Bonnie had other ideas. She took off down the beach, yelling and waving at the pod like they were old friends. I swear she genuinely believed they’d turn around and go, “Oh, wait, that’s Bonnie! Better swing back.”
Watching her sprinting along the sand, trying to flag down dolphins, was too funny. It’s one of those memories that still makes me laugh whenever it pops into my head.
Adventures at Jervis Bay included spotting a pod of dolphins that did not want to be “friends” with Bonnie.Credit:
After her enthusiastic attempt (which the dolphins tragically ignored) we regrouped, continued our walk and just soaked in the rest of the day. Nothing extraordinary happened after that but that’s what made it perfect: just good company, warm weather, a beautiful beach and a moment that still makes me smile.
I’ll be missing another Australian summer this year as I chase qualification to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games but I do get one week at home over Christmas, so you can bet I’ll be down at the beach, soaking it all in.
Nick Timmings is a skeleton athlete who represented Australia at the 2022 Games in Beijing and is vying for another Olympic bid at Milano Cortina in February.
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