Kim has been a long-term member at Aqualink (approximately 8 years) and she attends 4-5 times per week, often seen in the gym or doing a cycle class. Kim lives locally and also works as a kitchen hand. 

Kim has had an extensive and much recognised sporting career, winning many awards. In her words ‘there has been too many to count!’. Kim started playing basketball at the age of 8 and at 17 was representing Australia. Some of these include the following –  

• Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013 for her service to Sport and to people with a disability through her roles with the
• Australian Pearls basketball team 
• Nunawading Basketball Hall of Fame 2023
• Played for the Basketball Australia International Disabled team ‘The Pearls’ for 16 years. She played at State level and was captain for 13 years 
• She has played and won in 10 National Championships 
• Won Athlete of the Year from Basketball Victoria 
• Won Whitehorse Local Sports Award several times 
• Received a scholarship to the VIS for approximately 6 years 
• Competed in the World Athletic Championships in Canberra (1500m, 3000m and 5000m events) 
• Won the World Allstar 5 in Sweden (which is a global award for the best Point Guard basketball player) 
• Played in the State netball team as a 16 year old and then again only 4 years ago 

Kim has even had an award named in her honour! The Kim Larkin Fair Play award is awarded to a basketball team that displays outstanding sportsmanship.  

When asked Kim about the secret to her success and ongoing commitment to exercise and training she said ‘Routine and consistent exercising is the key’. Kim is also an avid walker and exercises with her support worker twice each week, as well as getting regular program reviews by Aqualink gym instructors, Sam and Adam. This helps her to mix things up and maintain interest and routine. 

Kim has 2 lovely dogs who also keep her busy – Jasper and Reilly. She is also a whiz in the kitchen and enjoys cooking up a good stir fry! 

It was a pleasure catching up Kim and you are an inspiration to many of us with your dedication to exercise and all your amazing achievements.  

Well done to you from all your friends at Aqualink! ?