Transferring to an exclusive Melbourne school on a swimming scholarship, teen Danny Kelly's ambitions for pool glory are met with snobbish and racist hostility, especially from the swim squad's gold-winner, Martin Taylor.

Danny welcomes the distraction of being introduced into the Taylor family's well-to-do world on a weekend away, before preparations for the National Championships begin.

With the world stage in Kuala Lumpur awaiting him, Danny ignores the advice of his mentor and family, seeking the necessary edge from a fresh approach.

The consequences of Danny's blinkered determination play out, as a moment of rage risks ending a fond friendship, threatening to derail his life forever.