She dove into the championships making quite a splash, clocking a record-breaking 4 minutes and 34.87 seconds in the II-3 400m freestyle, then finishing the day by claiming gold in the 50m breaststroke in 37.04 seconds.  

In an interview with WA Swimming, Ms Wallington said after all the training, she felt extremely proud of herself. 

“I’m really overwhelmed, but I’m just feeling really proud of myself. I came in with no expectations, and I’m just so happy that all the training is paying off. I’m also so excited to be here with so many friends and to meet so many new people,” said Ms Wallington after her first day of races.  

Kate is currently studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology. She has been part of Murdoch University’s Elite Athlete program since 2024. 

Across the six days of racing at the championships, Ms Wallington claimed gold and broke world records in the 200m medley, finishing at 2 minutes and 33.62 seconds; 1500m freestyle at 18 minutes and 2.76 seconds; 200m butterfly at 2 minutes and 34.03 seconds; 400m medley at 5 minutes and 24.29 seconds; and on the final night, the 200m breaststroke at 2 minutes and 54.25 seconds.  

Ms Wallington’s achievements have quickly established her as one of Australia’s most outstanding para-swimming talents, and a remarkable Murdoch Elite Athlete.  

“What a privilege and honour it was to represent Australia at the 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championships,” she wrote on her Instagram. 

Murdoch University’s Elite Athlete Program 

From athletes to dancers and coaches, students who are a part of the Elite Athlete program are provided with support that allows them to succeed in their studies while also remaining committed to their sporting obligations. 

The program is part of Murdoch University’s status as an Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU), which is an initiative of Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).  

As an Elite Athlete, students like Ms Wallington represent Murdoch University and are provided with staff guidance, academic support, flexible study options and financial support.