About Waterlions
Waterlions Swim School is a family-run swim school proudly serving the Epsom and Greenlane areas. Established in 2002, we’ve been offering swimming lessons at Epsom Girls Grammar School ever since, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth and passion for our family.
Our love for swimming runs deep. Igor and Larissa, the founders of the swim school, both have extensive backgrounds in competitive swimming. Having competed at the highest levels as youth athletes, they each reached remarkable milestones in their careers. After relocating to New Zealand in 1996, they have worked with some of Auckland’s top swimming clubs and helping countless swimmers develop their skills.
Today, the school is proudly managed by their daughter, Genya, who continues the family legacy. You’ll also often see their son, Max, lending a hand poolside—it’s truly a family affair!
Our shared vision for swimming is what drives us every day. We take immense pride in seeing our swimmers grow and thrive, and we are incredibly grateful to be a part of our local community, making a meaningful impact on the sport we love.
More About Igor and Larissa
Igor and Larissa both represented Russia as swimmers on the National Team. Igor’s career is particularly well-known for his incredible achievements, including winning three medals at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, with a gold in the 200m backstroke. He also set a world record in the 200m backstroke, a record that stood for six years. Larissa, a talented breaststroker, was also part of the USSR national squad and had the honor of competing alongside Igor. Together, they have left a lasting mark on the world of swimming, and their legacy continues to inspire both our school and our swimmers today.
At Waterlions we enjoy discovering talented swimmers that go through our doors. WaterLions works closely with local swimming clubs and if competitive swimming is something you wish to pursue please let us know and we can help guide your swimmers training program.
