He Came for the Water. He Left With Gold.
The story of Min Oh (오승민) — swimmer, national gold medallist, JPC graduate
A friend told Min about Queensland — and about John Paul College. He arrived from South Korea in 2019 worried about one thing: his English. He left a national gold medallist, with his sights on an Olympic team. This is his story, in his own words.
- Arrived 2019
- National Gold Medallist
- Queensland Champion
- Olympic Hopeful
Gold
2032
He Followed His Sister Into the Water
Min’s swimming story began at home. His older sister took up the sport to stay healthy — and Min, who looked up to her, wanted to do everything she did. So he followed her into the water.
What began as following his sister became something all his own. By the time he was choosing a country to study in, one thing was already settled: wherever he went, he would keep swimming. As he puts it, he is “an aspiring swimmer who has always wanted to make the Olympic team”. At John Paul College the elite swim squad turned that childhood spark into real speed — and, in time, into national gold.
“My sister started swimming to be healthy. I liked my sister and wanted to follow her — so I started swimming too.”
수영은 누나가 건강해지려고 시작했는데, 저는 누나를 좋아해서 따라 하고 싶어 수영을 시작했어요.
Small classes · support built in
A Friend’s Recommendation — and Two Things That Decided It
Min’s family were comparing cities to study in when a friend pointed them toward Queensland — and, specifically, toward John Paul College. Two things settled it: the College welcomed international students, and it ranked highly among Queensland schools.
“We were exploring cities to study in, and then one of my friends recommended Queensland — and especially John Paul College. They accepted international students, and they were also high in the school rankings.”
Min Oh · on how he found JPC
One worry travelled with him. Not the training, not the distance — the language. He arrived nervous about how far his English would carry him.
“The worries I had before I came was my limited English skills. But when I joined John Paul College, they helped me build my foundations.”
Min Oh · on arriving with limited English
Those foundations were built the way they are for every international student here — in small classes, with teachers who knew he was training before dawn. The nerves faded into something else entirely.
“At first I was really nervous. But when I saw how my school supported me, I thought — Australia is good, and my school is good.”
Min Oh · on settling in (translated from Korean)
The Classroom That Travelled to Every Race
A serious swimmer is not at school every day. Min was often away racing — and for most students, that is where the grades start to slip. It is the thing athlete families worry about most.
It did not happen here. Min names the online courses as the thing he loved most about John Paul College: whatever he missed while he was away, he could pick up from wherever he was. The lessons followed him to the pool deck instead of waiting for him to come back.
“The thing I love about John Paul College is the online courses they give me — because I’m usually away due to swimming races. But when I’m away, I can go to my online courses and catch up the lessons I missed.”
Min Oh · on studying between races
At home the days started early: in the water from 6:30am and back again in the afternoon, with a coach guiding his strength work and nutrition as well as his stroke. What held the two halves together was a simple rule he set himself.
“When I’m at school, I focus on my study. When I’m swimming, I focus on swimming.”
Min Oh · on giving each one his full attention
Online Courses
Miss a week for a meet, catch the lessons up from anywhere — the course goes with you.
Elite Squad
Coach-led swim sessions, plus strength training and nutrition — from 6:30am.
One Focus at a Time
Study at school, swim at the pool — giving each his full attention.
Weekend Extra Study
Extra help whenever a subject is tough — support is always there.
The Day the Work Paid Off
Ask Min for his best memory of Queensland and he doesn’t name a beach or a holiday. He names a race — the one where he won his first national gold medal.
His Results
- National Gold His first national gold medal
- 2 × Gold Queensland Championships
- 1 × Silver Queensland Championships
His Signature Event
- Breaststroke
- Elite Swim Squad
- National Competitor
“It was very special to me, because I trained very hard — and the dedication I had will just stay with me.”
“Wherever You Go, There’s Something Special”
Min came to Queensland to swim. What kept him happy here was everything around the swimming — the weather, the coastline, the space, and a way of living that suits someone who trains outdoors.
The Weather
“The weather here is just absolutely beautiful” — the reason outdoor sport runs almost all year in Queensland.
Beaches & Open Country
“Whether it’s the beach city or any rural areas” — the coast and the countryside are both an easy trip from Brisbane.
Outdoors, Always
“Swimming, surfing or barbecues” — the ordinary Queensland weekend, and the one Min picks out by name.
Why It Mattered
For a student living far from family, feeling at home in a place is not a small thing. It is what makes the years work.
Watch Min’s Story
Filmed for Study Queensland, Min explains why he chose Brisbane and John Paul College, what worried him before he came, and where he wants swimming to take him next.
Choose your language
Every Length, a Step Forward
From a nervous first day in 2019 to a national gold medal and a graduation, every stage of Min’s journey built the disciplined, confident athlete now training for something bigger.
“Hopefully make the Olympic team for 2028 LA and 2032 Brisbane.”
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2019
Arrives From Korea
A friend’s recommendation brings him to Brisbane — and to JPC.
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First Year
Builds His English
Arrives worried about his English; the College helps him build his foundations.
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Elite Squad
Joins the Swim Squad
Early-morning training, strength and nutrition — coached toward competition.
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Racing Years
Studies On the Road
Away at meets — and catching every missed lesson through his online courses.
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Podium
Gold, State and National
Two gold and a silver in Queensland — then his first national gold.
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Next
LA 2028. Brisbane 2032.
Graduates, takes swimming full-time, and trains for an Olympic team.
It was very special to me, because I trained very hard — and the dedication I had will just stay with me.
Min Oh, on winning his first national gold medal
Min Oh (오승민) · South Korea · John Paul College graduate
Serious About Sport. Serious About School.
Min trained before dawn, raced interstate, and still finished his schooling — because the classroom travelled with him. If your child competes at that level, this is how it works here.