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Eamon Sullivan is not only an Olympic sprint swimmer that has won medals and broken world records, he is also the 2011 Cleo Bachelor of the Year, Ambassador and model for Davenport underwear, an ambassador for SIDS, winner of Celebrity Masterchef, author of a cookbook Eamon’s Kitchen and owns a successful café, Louis Baxters, in Subiaco Square, with his business partner, Laki Baker – and his family are there for him each step of the way. With such a list of accomplishments under his belt at just 26 years of age it wouldn’t be hard to let the ego take over, but whilst chatting with him it is clear to see that he remains grounded and humble, in part due to his down-toearth roots. Upon meeting Eamon and his family you are instantly drawn to their welcoming energy and their genuine love and respect for one another. Then throw in a cheeky sense of humour and their ability to laugh at themselves and you get a good recipe for a great family dynamic. “(Our parents) have always encouraged my sister and I to enjoy life, and give 100 per cent to everything we do. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” His loving parents, Pam and John, have been happily married for 42 years and his big sister Pia is a popular Year Two school teacher at Loreto Primary School in Nedlands. Another special lady in Eamon’s life that he adores is his 96 year old grandmother, Narnie (who has the spirit of a 21 year old!). Whilst talking about Pia and Eamon, Pam started tearing up, showing the pride and depth of love that she has for them. John lovingly rolled his eyes at her, calling her a big softie, and continued to finish the family stories that she started to reminisce about. They loved the regular family holiday trips down to a farm stay in Pemberton when the kids were young, as they’d go fishing, milk cows, go to the beach and spend quality family time together. John recounts a trip to the Gloucester Tree in Pemberton which Eamon wanted to climb when he was only five years old. John was hoping that Eamon would get up a few metres and realise how tall and dangerous it was and back down. Unfortunately for John, as he then had to go up with him Special Feature <strong>Offspring</strong> | summer 2011 19
Special Feature “My parents and sister are the most caring, passionate and hard working people that I have ever met. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better family.” to make sure he was ok, Eamon fearlessly climbed the 61 metres to the top. It was memorable for John as it was a good glimpse for him into Eamon’s determination and desire to succeed. Eamon comments on one of the best lessons that his parents have taught him. “They have always encouraged my sister and I to enjoy life, and give 100 per cent to everything we do,” he says. “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” Pam recalled how both Pia and Eamon used to sit on the kitchen benchtop as she prepared meals and baked, which no doubt enhanced Eamon’s confidence and passion for cooking. Eamon says if he hadn’t got seriously involved in professional swimming when he left school he was keen to take on a chef apprenticeship. However, his swimming abilities took off so his love for cooking was left to simmer for a while, that was until he was offered a spot on Celebrity Masterchef. Eamon’s hectic daily swimming, gym training, sponsorship and media schedule means that he has had to base himself in Sydney. Any free time he has left in Sydney he generally spends with his mates and his French bulldog Baxter, but he’d no doubt make room in his schedule for a special girl, should the right one come along. Traits that he looks for in a girlfriend are reflective of the qualities he sees in his parents and his lifestyle. Eamon describes his ideal woman as “Someone that I get 20 <strong>Offspring</strong> | summer 2011 along with really well and trust. Someone that loves eating and also loves sport! Someone that is positive, fun and lives a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.” When he’s able to return home to Perth he heads down to City Beach, catches up with mates and his family, helps out at his cafe and also makes sure that his mum has her spinach pie in the oven for him. Eamon also contributes time to being an ambassador for SIDS as it is a cause that is dear to his heart. “A close friend of mine lost a child to SIDS, and after seeing how much it affected their family I wanted to help spread awareness about SIDS and to help raise money for more research.” Whilst chatting to his parents I was keen to know what
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