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Episode Summary:

If you love sport for its stories, characters, and moments that still give you goosebumps decades later, this episode is a gift. Ian Hawkins sits down with Jon Harker, one of the most recognisable voices in Australian sport, for a long-form conversation that travels through eras most fans only know from highlight reels. From hosting Sportsworld to calling Olympics, Kangaroo Tours, and iconic Test matches, Jon shares how chance encounters, curiosity, and backing people shaped a career spent at the heart of Australian sporting history.

The conversation is rich with behind-the-scenes yarns; legends like Jack Gibson, Rex Mossop, Johnny Raper, Bruce McAvaney, and Cliff Lyons come to life through stories that reveal integrity, leadership, and old-school standards that feel increasingly rare. A centrepiece of the episode is Jon’s iconic call of the Australian women’s water polo gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics; a moment he describes with deep emotion, context, and respect for the athletes who changed their sport forever. It’s a reminder that great sport isn’t just about results; it’s about people, purpose, and the moments that stay with us long after the final siren.

About the Guest:

Jon Harker

Chief Operating Officer at Carlile Swim Group

Jon Harker is a lifelong waterman, sports storyteller and senior leader at Carlile Swimming, one of Australia’s most influential swimming institutions. Drawn to the water from a young age, Jon represented Australia in junior water polo, won national surf titles across multiple levels, competed nationally in swimming, boxed competitively, and still works as a boxing trainer today.

His career began as a newspaper copy boy in the era of typewriters and afternoon papers, before evolving into a rare blend of sport, live commentary and business leadership. Today, Jon plays a key role in Carlile Swimming, which operates 31 facilities nationwide, employs over 1,800 staff, and teaches more than 60,000 children each week.

The episode explores Carlile’s extraordinary legacy; from founders Forbes and Ursula Carlile pioneering Australia’s first commercial swim school, indoor teaching pools, baby swimming and sports science, to their lasting Olympic impact and Hall of Fame recognition. Jon also shares the remarkable resurgence of Carlile’s competitive program, culminating in a National Age Championship title in 2025 and continued success at national open water events.

We also touch on Olympic gold medallist Olivia Wunsch’s full-pathway journey through Carlile, and Jon’s involvement in the Starlight Super Swim, highlighting why sport’s greatest impact often goes well beyond medals and results.

Links:/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-harker-8a542712/

Website: https://www.carlile.com.au/

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

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#252 – Jon Harker - The Stories Behind Australian Sport