HEART AND SOUL

MIAMI pool has seen a Who’s Who of swimming, lifesaving, triathlon and water polo stars file through its turnstiles.

It has been home and de facto family for world champions and Olympic coaches. But the glue of any community is often the quiet helper, the near-anonymous person who turns up day after day, year after year, pouring heart and soul into a place because they love being there. In time they are loved in return. Such is the story of Freddy Kuwahata, who chose the Miami pool to become his spiritual home on the Gold Coast after his parents died. Freddy’s death has rocked Miami. The passing of this small man with a big grin has had a huge impact.