In 2006, Pauline Samson became the first member of Masters Swimming Tasmania to be appointed a life member of the national association.
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Now, she has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to swimming and Masters Australia Swimming more broadly.
A retired high school teacher, Mrs Samson's contribution to the club spans three decades through a range of roles.
They include being the national director of programs, national director of technical - responsible for the co-ordination and preparation of technical papers for the training of officials - and chairwoman of the national technical committee.
Since 1995 she has maintained her position as an accredited referee, MSA's highest technical qualification, and became the first nominated MSA official of the year.
As the national director of communications between 1999 and 2003, she was also responsible for launching the club's national website, leading her to become known as a "driver of modernisation and change" within the club.
Since 2005 she has also held the position of national recorder - a role that has seen her contribute the evolution of the club's national results and records portal.
Mrs Samson first became a member of MST in 1989 in Hobart.
While she started as a non-swimmer, she was soon attracted to competing, aerobic swimming and becoming more involved in the new club.
Reflecting on the OAM recognition, Mrs Samson said her involvement with Masters Swimming Australia had brought her a lot of joy.
"I have never been a competitive swimmer, because I started quite late. But it's a great organisation to belong to and I know so many people around the country because of my involvement," she said.
"This is a recognition of the work I have done and the things I have achieved, which feels very nice."
Mrs Samson said she planned to celebrate her OAM honour today with family.