How does the VIS support your career in high performance sport?
I strongly believe that the VIS swimming program support staff are of the best in the country. I am filled with confidence each time I compete as I know our team has used their wealth of knowledge, and they show their unwaving support.
Most memorable sporting moment?
Competing at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore.
Proudest personal achievement outside of sport?
I am proud of the ways I use my creativity in finding new crafts and hobbies to balance life outside of sport.
What do you enjoy most about your sport?
The feeling of weightlessness in the water.
Advice to your younger self?
Learn to love to learn.
Go-to meal before competing?
Bagels or pasta.
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be?
David Attenborough, Leisel Jones and Robin Williams.
What do you enjoy doing outside of sport?
Tattooing, nail art and crafts.
Speaker Profile
By Tara’s own admission, a 14-month hiatus was just the catalyst she needed to reignite her swimming career.
Tara stepped away from swimming in February 2022, only to return to the pool in April 2023 and immediately establish herself as a bolter.
Known as a breaststroker with a talent for the IM, Kinder made her senior debut at the 2024 World Short Course Championships in Budapest. Since then, she has competed at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships and the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships, most recently representing Australia at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Tara now has her sights set on the 2028 LA Olympics.
Talking Points
Sport explainer: Tara explains how she got into swimming and the events she competes in.
Tara’s sporting journey: What it was like taking a break from swimming and returning to the sport.
Wellbeing: Tara discusses her training schedule and the importance of recovery, sleep and nutrition as an athlete.
VIS support: She speaks about the large team of VIS staff members who support her through her swimming career.
Tara brings her bronze medal from the 4 x 200m freestyle relay at the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) with her.
