THREE talented Scone youngsters recently joined the fastest regional swimmers in the state, competing at the NSW Country Championships at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC).
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The carnival, which requires fast qualifying times, is open to Swimming NSW competitors outside of the Sydney metropolitan area.
Eleven-year-olds Isabella Henderson and Paul Russell, as well as Indyana Taylor, 17, demonstrated their determination and commitment to the sport.
After contesting qualifying meetings in the New England and North West, and Coast and Valley areas this season, the trio booked berths at the NSW titles.
The Scone Swimming Club members train at Scone Olympic Swimming Pool, under the guidance of LSA Swimming head coach Yvette Taylor, who was thrilled with their efforts.
“I’m proud and enjoy working with them,” she said.
“Competitive swimming involves a great deal of skill and commitment to training.
“I’m excited when they achieve times for events of this calibre and love to see reward for their hard work.
“These kids have talent and, most of all, enjoy what they do.”
Henderson, who ranked 18th in the state in the 11 years’ 100m freestyle, said she was very happy to swim for the first time at the championships.
“I had this competition as a goal,” she explained.
“I never gave up and just kept trying.
“I was so happy to look at the board and see my name – I registered a two-second PB (personal best).”
She also finished 16th in the 11 years and under 50m breaststroke with another PB.
Russell competed in the 11-12 years’ 50m freestyle producing a PB, too.
No stranger to state events, Taylor placed 26th in the 17 years and over 50m freestyle.
“I was proud to see some of my team members meet the qualifying times and experience the event,” she said.
“I was excited to swim at SOPAC again.”
LSA Swimming squad members Henderson, Russell, Joshua Chopin and Skye Russell qualified to represent the New England and North West team at the Speedo Sprint Series Finals at SOPAC on March 9.
This competition provides swimmers in the 8 to 13 years’ category the opportunity to compete at a grass roots level for a state championships run meet.
And, great results were achieved.
LSA Swimming is currently preparing for the NSW Junior State Age Championships, which will take place on March 30 and 31.
