Little Takas are 90% biodegradable nappies because they use polylactic acids derived from renewable resources such as corn starch. Regular disposable nappies take more than 100 years to decompose and take up a very large proportion of land fills in Australia and world wide. Little Takas also includes a range of baby wipes made from organically grown bamboo which is a highly sustainable crop. By using Little Takas nappies and baby wipes, Elka knows she's doing the best for the environment and baby Nevada's future. Keep up to date with regular video and blog updates by Elka at www.littletakas.com

Elka's Latest Swisse Vitamins Ad!

See Elka's latests pregnancy ad at www.swisse.com.au

Elka to be the face of ProjectABLE
01 February 2010

Elka Whalan has been chosen as the ambassador for the ProjectABLE, an initiative of Care Careers Australia to educate and provide students with valuable experience of the sector, showing how they use their passions and abilities to not only enable the lives of people with a disability but also enrich their own lives and careers along the way. The initiative has been set up as because by 2030 it is predicted that there will be 2 million Australian's with a disability who may be in need of support. In NSW this creates a demand for an additional 9000 frontline staff by 2014.

Elka will be involved in a number of media appearances along with videos to be broadcast throughout schools and online promoting awareness of the project and its many benefits. www.carecareers.com.au. See the hype reel and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/projectable

Elka helps launch AUSSIEVAULT
25 November 2009

Elka Whalan together with former Miss Universe Australa Erin McNaught helped launched AUSSIEVAULT. The Australia Day Council of NSW is giving all Australians an opportunity to take part in this new and exciting year long campaign, a social history hub for all things Australian. AUSSIEVAULT is your chance to be part of history and share your thoughts on our nation's journey through various creative and meaningful campaigns.

McHappy Day raises over $2 million
14 November 2009

In her third year of being on board with McHappy Day, Elka was part of a record year where $2.4million was raised for sick children and their families. This money will provide the foundation for more Ronald McDonald Charities houses to be built and placed around Australia.

Elka promotes Fit Healthy Summer Sun campaign
8 September 2009

Elka has been on photo shoots for the Fit Healthy Summer Sun campaign.

Walk 40,075 kilometres with Elka
1 May 2009

As an ambassador for Australian Women's Weekly's Worldwide Walk, Elka is encouraging everyone to get up and walk. The target is to circumnavigate the world and walk 40,075 kilometres. Read and comment on Elka's blog on walks throughout Italy from May to July.

Elka appointed to Ronald McDonald House Charities board
1 May 2009

Elka has been appointed as the youngest member on the Ronald McDonald House Charities Board. RMHC is renowned for providing retreat homes for families with seriously ill children, so they can enjoy spending special time together. Elka is also an ambassador for the annual McHappy Day that last year raised $1.9 million for RMHC.

Staying in shape with WeightWatchers cover girl
1 January 2009

Elka talks about staying in shape and life after competitive swimming in the latest issue of WeightWatchers magazine. Read her tips on keeping your body fit, trim and happy.

Elka proud to be a member of the Australia Day Council of NSW
1 January 2009

Elka has recently been appointed by Premier Nathan Rees as a board member of the Australia Day Council of NSW. The Council is the premier Australia Day organisation across the nation, delivering inspirational events and programs, all of which celebrate being Australian.

Council members are chosen for their leadership, intellectual, social, management skills and performance-based qualities.

Enjoy the Australia Day celebrations across the country on January 26.

Elka wins battle of the long legs in a close shave
1 October 2008

Elka has recently been appointed as ambassador for a new Gillette product - the Venus Embrace. This 5-blade razor especially for women keeps the oh-so-long legs of our 'pool goddess' smoother for faster swims.

Elka loves life in Savona as Mrs Thomas Whalan
September 2008

Elka married Aussie water polo champion Thomas Whalan on a private farm in Cootamundra, NSW last month. The happy couple currently lives in the Italian village of Savona, where Thomas stars for the local team. Elka will still be returning to Australia for several months each year to fulfill media and sponsorship commitments.

Elka reports on the 2008 Beijing Olympics for ESPN
8 August 2008

Elka was contracted to US sport channel ESPN to provide expert analysis on the swimming at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Elka enjoyed every minute of the live coverage beamed daily to over 200 million viewers.

To watch a video clip of Elka on ESPN, click here    

Elka joins fellow Olympians in Lilac Swim charity event
1 June 2008

Two of Australia's current Olympic golden girls Libby Trickett and Sophie Edington joined past Olympians Elka Graham, Giaan Rooney, Petria Thomas and Justin Norris at the recent Lilac Swim fundraising event for the Nelune Foundation, the closest charity to Elka's heart. The event, now in its third year, was held at Bondi Icebergs and attracted 400 participants, over 750 spectators. And raised over $110,000 for the foundation that's 'Helping Patients Fight Cancer With Dignity'.

For more information on The Nelune Foundation, click here    

The owners of Patinack Farm celebrated in style with other racing industry notables at the Gold Coast's Palazzo Versace Hotel on Sunday June 1, 2008 to showcase their inaugural stallion roster and announce that Elka Graham would be their 2008 Brand Ambassador. This partnership is based on strong synergies including passion and drive and both Elka and representatives of Patinack Farm proudly represent Australia on the world stage. You'll find Elka at the races with the Patinack Farm team, cheering their horses home.

For more information on Patinack Farm, click here    

Elka back in Australia for a cause close to her heart
26 February 2008

Recently returning from Italy after her engagement to Australian Water Polo Captain, Thomas Whalan, Elka Graham is back to help a cause that is close to her heart.

Five years ago, Elka faced a worrying heart condition that put her professional swimming career in doubt. It was her strength and determination that ensured she would go on to claim Olympic medals and regain her fitness and health. Now happier and healthier than ever, Elka has teamed up with the Heart Foundation and luxury Swiss watch brand Frederique Constant to ensure that Australian women are aware of the risks they too face.

In 2008 the internationally renowned Frederique Constant brand is sharing its passion with the Heart Foundation by donating $50 from every watch sold in their ‘Heart Beat’ collection to the Go Red for Women campaign.

The Go Red for Women campaign focuses on raising awareness about women and heart disease. The statistics don’t lie:

- Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel disease) is the leading cause of death and a major source of disability in Australia
- More than 46,000 lives are lost to cardiovascular disease each year in Australia
- Women are four times more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer

"The Heart Foundation is a brilliant association to be a part of. Since my heart scare in 2003 in the midst of my swimming career, I've always shared a close bond with the Heart Foundation and the amazing initiatives they put in place throughout each and every year. It is a blessing to be healthy, happy and representing a cause that is vitally important to all human beings. I love that I am an Ambassador for the Heart Foundation and the wonderful work they do." – Elka Graham, former Australian swimmer

For more information on Go Red for Women, click here    

Elka swims again
22 February 2008

Elka Graham will pull the goggles on once again as a competitive swimmer when she represents Double Drummer in the NSW Corporate Games this March. 

In such an important year for international sport, you can watch Elka swim again in the Pool where she won her Silver Medal in 2000. The Corporate Games is Australia's largest multi-sport championships and helps raise money for Diabetes Australia-NSW. 8,500 competitors are anticipated to take part in 20 sports from March 13-16. 

The NSW Corporate Games matches Double Drummer's own philosophy... it's all about having fun and meeting people through healthy activity while helping a good cause. Staff from major corporations such as the telcos., banks, insurance companies, financial services organisations, etc. will all be participating and it also caters for small businesses across NSW. Corporate Games are now held in three states (NSW, VIC & QLD) and each year attract a total of 22,000 participants… that's more than double the number of athletes who competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics!

So watch Elka swim to victory on Saturday March 15 in the NSW Corporate Games.

For more information on the NSW Corporate Games, click here    

Elka's Weekly Diary on New Idea
19 October 2007

Elka shares her thoughts with New Idea on her Dancing with the Stars experience - and who she will be cheering for to make the final! Click here to read Elka's weekly diary 
  

Elka's Weekly Diary on New Idea
30 October 2007

Read Elka's everyday diet secrets in the latest issue of Slimming & Health magazine. You can also catch Elka on New Idea, Woman's Day and OK!
  

Now for Week 10!
16 October 2007

"Though I won't be winning this series of Dancing With the Stars, making it through to Round 4 was a geat thrill and overall it was wonderful experience. The 'Paso' was my favourite dance... I just loved it! I felt alive and so in character. I now look forward to Week 10 of the show when I'll be re-united with all the celebs. and dancers for one last show!" - Elka
 

Two on the Trot
9 October 2007

"I'm so thrilled to know I made it through yet again another week. Three dances down and before you know it's half way! The support has been incredible and I'm trying and training as much as I can to stay in for as long as possible." - Elka
 

Elka joins Mirabella
5 October 2007

Elka has just been appointed as an Ambassador for Mirabella - a 100% Australian owned company committed to using forward thinking technology to produce energy efficient products that help lower carbon emissions. As their contribution to fighting climate change, for any Mirabella energy saving product purchased, the company guarantees to plant a tree on behalf of their customers.
   

Still alive after the Jive!
2 October 2007

"It's a fun energetic show... I love the live feeling knowing you are hitting millions of viewers throughout Australia. The training through the week was challenging and fun. To still be in the running to win is a great feeling! I need a brilliant performance next week to stay in and the public's vote to keep me in. Next week is fox trot, a sassy classy dance. Please support me in my quest to go the distance. Thanks!" - Elka
 

Dancing with Elka!
25 September 2007
 
The magic and glamour of the ballroom has returned to our TV screens with the seventh series of the smash hit variety show DANCING WITH THE STARS… and Elka is part of it! The first show went to air last Tuesday, 25th September.
 
“I was always such a tomboy growing up that dancing was never something I considered doing,“ states Elka Graham, star Olympian. But she's grateful she’s now found a new pastime to burn up her bundles of energy.

The retired swimmer, who holds two Australian and Commonwealth records and came home with multiple medals from World Champs, Commonwealth Games and Olympics not only views DANCING WITH THE STARS as an opportunity to learn a new skill but a chance for the public to get to know her better.

"I want to show Australia my personality. They know Elka the swimmer, but I want to be able to express myself some more and this is a great way to do it. I'm really looking forward to the Rumba, Pasadoble and Cha Cha... any of the dances where you get to use your hips and tell a story," she says with a laugh.

With a passionate love of music and dance movies and with some self-confessed rhythm of her own (although she says it normally emerges only after a glass or two of wine), Elka is confident of one thing when it comes to her dancing abilities... there will be plenty of laughs.

“It’s going to be so much fun,” she enthuses. “I’ve always admired the ballet and love going to watch different types of dance, but I’ve never thought of myself being able to do it. Like I said - I was the tomboy.”

And shedding that tomboy image is proving difficult for this 25-year-old, who is more at home in her togs than the fancy dresses and dazzling accessories in which she'll grace the dance floor.

“It’s not really me to be in a glamorous dress,” she confesses, "however going to functions and events that require me to dress up without sequins and glitter is something I do like. It's amazing to be a woman and  dress up and feel like a queen for a night".

Elka is not daunted by being the youngest, tallest and only brunette among the female stars this season. In fact, she’s playing up to being the baby of the group. She's been teamed with dance partner Michael Wojcik and couldn't be happier with the choice.

"Michael is endearing, patient and he talks as fast as me and has just as much energy as I do," she says.

Elka is also excited to be able to help out a dear friend by choosing the Nelune Foundation as the recipient of funds she raises via DANCING WITH THE STARS. The Foundation offers psychological and practical support, assistance and care for public hospital and underprivileged cancer patients.

“Nelune is actually a close friend of mine whom I met a year ago at a charity swim event,” she explains. “We just connected straight away. It’s very rare when you go to those events that you actually meet the person who runs the charity. And she’s just a wonderful person.”

For more information and all the information on how to vote (for Elka of course), go to http://au.yahoo.com/dancing-with-the-stars/