Sweat is set at the fictional Sports West Academy (SWA) and the series was a launching pad for the careers of some now famous Australian actors including Health Ledger- who plays a gay cyclist Snowy Bowles- Martin Henderson (Tom Nash) and Simon Baker (Paul Stedman).

The gruelling routine, the temptations, the intense competition, the frantic action and the euphoria of a personal best provide an exciting and dynamic visual backdrop. The everyday relationships, disappointments, families, school and rivalries of these talented young athletes are in sharp contrast to the tremendous pressures and unique demands of the international sporting world.