From Melanoma Diagnosis to World Champion: Sam Short Supports Swim for a CURE

Australian Olympic swimmer Sam Short is fresh off a stellar year in the water, clinching a silver medal at the World Championships and recently topping the podium at the iconic Lorne “Pier to Pub” ocean swim. But behind these world-class achievements lies a deeply personal motivation. At just 18, Short was diagnosed with a melanoma, a health scare that struck on the eve of his first international meet. Now 22 and a world champion, Short has turned that challenge into purpose: he’s supporting cancer research as the ambassador of Cure Cancer’s Swim for a CURE campaign this March. With rising interest in athletes’ health journeys, Short’s story – from a teen facing skin cancer to a podium-topping champion – is one of resilience and hope, and it’s inspiring a movement to help fund a cure.

Below, in a Q&A, Sam Short opens up about his recent triumphs, his melanoma journey, and why he’s diving in to Swim for a CURE. His words reflect a purpose-led, hopeful outlook – one that he’s eager to share with fellow Australians.

Image: Supplied

Q: Sam, you’ve had an incredible 12 months – winning a world championship medal and even taking out a podium finish at the Pier to Pub ocean swim. How are you feeling about these achievements?

Sam: It’s been a huge year, that’s for sure. Medalling at the World Championships – standing on the podium with a silver medal – was a dream come true. And kicking off the summer by winning the Pier to Pub was something special. Open-water racing is a different challenge, and to come away with the win in a field of over 1,000 swimmers was awesome. I’m feeling confident about how far I’ve come. These achievements mean a lot to me, especially knowing the hard work (and the hurdles) it took to get here. I’m more motivated than ever for what’s next in my swimming journey.

Q: How did your melanoma diagnosis affect your mindset around health and recovery?

Sam: Getting my melanoma diagnosis at 18 while racing at the world championships and soon to be Commonwealth champ was a complete shock and extremely stressful. First time overseas, getting surgery in Budapest, 5 weeks out from the biggest racing opportunity I've had yet. I thought I was invincible; I clearly was not. Cancer can affect anyone at any time. That's why I take my health seriously and do what I can to keep myself safe.

Image: Supplied

Q: What’s one message you want young athletes to take from your experience?

Sam: Nothing can stop you from achieving your goals if you are disciplined, but that doesn't mean you can't stay safe while doing so. Don't let the Australian sun be the reason you don't reach your potential; wear sunscreen.

Q: What are you focusing on in training right now?

Sam: Right now, I am focused on improving my skills (turns and push-offs) as well as the constant improvement of fitness and race management.

Q: What’s a performance you’re especially proud of?

Sam: The performance I am most proud of over the last 12 months is the 1500m heat and final at the 2025 world championships. I was hospitalised with the gastro bug that was brought over by some of the other nations, which led to me having to withdraw from arguably my best chance at a gold medal, the 800 free. I came back from the hospital, weak and still sick, and raced the hardest event on the program and proved my doubters wrong. I swam the 2nd fastest 1500m of my life and came 4th in a world-class final.

Q: What’s your next big goal in the pool?

Sam: I want to win the Commonwealth Games again this year, and also win Pan Pacific titles. This is the year I break the 3:40 barrier and set other personal bests in my other events.

Q: How has your mindset changed since the 2025 Worlds?

Sam: Now that my shoulder health is at an optimal level, I am completely focused on getting as much out of myself as possible every session, and completely obsessing over my goals.

Q: What does a typical training week look like for you?

Sam: A typical training week is 10 swim sessions, 3 gym/rehab sessions, 2–3 physio sessions with about 30 mins of dryland and activation before each swim session. The basics for me are showing up on time and ready to hurt each session, no matter how fatigued I am. The key is showing up.

Q: How do you stay grounded when things get tough?

Sam: When things get tough or stuff happens out of my control, I try to remember I can always work on something. It can be as little as my kick, my turns, my dryland. I love to remember that obstacles are a fact of high-performance sport, and all the greats experience them.

Q: What do you love about both pool and ocean swimming?

Sam: I grew up doing surf lifesaving, so I love the ocean! It's where I developed my signature 'loping' stroke that has taken me to a world title. I love ocean swimming because it's a different tactic to pool racing, a bit more luck and close contact racing. What I love about the pool is that it takes all doubt and luck out of the equation. The fastest and fittest will win the race; you cannot fake it.

Swim for a CURE runs throughout March and is open to swimmers of all levels. Whether you’re doing laps at your local pool or setting a personal challenge with friends, every stroke supports vital research. Sign up or donate today at swimforacure.com.au.