Sensational seven off to National champs

SEVEN South Gippsland Bass swimmers have been selected to represent Victoria as part of the School Sport Australia national meet being held at the Brisbane Aquatic centre next month. 

They will don the School Sport Victorian Representative uniform, many for the first time, as they compete in a range of events. 

Over the past few weeks, the young guns had a chance to meet their teammates and train together. 

Those selected to represent the state are Archie Smyth, Olivia Holmes (San Remo and Newhaven College), Zac Sherar, Sophie McKenzie (Korumburra and Korumburra Secondary College), Rex Brocklesby (Inverloch and Inverloch Primary) and Rahni Matheson (Leongatha and Leongatha Secondary College). 

Milla Laub (Inverloch and Wonthaggi Secondary) was also selected but had to withdraw. 

The club is very proud of the effort they have all put in and for their selection, according to head coach Dylan Muir. 

“The younger ones are only a few years in but even at a young age they’re already heavily committed to what they’re doing, our youngest, Rex and Archie their training four times a week already,” he said. 

“Then for the older ones to make it, for someone like Sophie she’s training eight times a week and she’s gone from not even a state finalist to state finals, state medals and now she’s made team Victoria.” 

“So, it’s years and years of hard work, it’s like that old iceberg picture where you only see 10 per cent.”

The coaches, Muir especially, were also chuffed to have such a great contingent of representatives. 

“I was ecstatic, in the past we’ve had some swimmers make it but the most we’ve had is two, so to have a team like this, this year, all making it was absolutely awesome to see,” he said. 

“To have seven swimmers from a small regional area is very exciting for the club, it shows that even if you are from a small town, or region, and may not have access to all the facilities that cities have, you can still aim high and achieve high levels of success in your pursuits.”

“They’re just a great group of individuals, not just good swimmers, but they’re good people, it warms out hearts to see good kids that are committed to what they do, get the rewards they are now.”

The swimmers range in age from 11 and under through to the open aged events, with each bracket determined by the age the athlete will be by years end. 

The opening ceremony will be held on August 15, for the kids who fall within the 13-19-year-old age bracket. 

The swimmers will compete in several individual events and relays as set out by School Sport Victoria coaches with the closing ceremony being held on August 20.

The 10-12-year-old Team Victoria representatives will then follow suit with their opening ceremony kicking off on August 19 and closing August 23. 

Olivia and Zac met the qualifying criteria last year, however, the event was cancelled due to COVID restrictions. 

Olivia is looking forward to the opportunity to meet swimmers from all over Australia and feels honoured and excited to get the opportunity to swim for her state. 

As a 12-year-old, this will be her first national meet due to the age requirements outside of school sports, only allowing girls 13 years and over to compete at a national level.  

The kids also get to spend a day at Dreamworld with their Team Victoria squad which they are also very excited about.