Out of 25, 15 in nation’s top 10
AN elite group of swimmers operating out of Canterbury-Bankstown’s premier leisure and aquatic centres, have secured eight medals at the 2020 National Open Water Championships in Adelaide.
The 25-person squad who train at the Max Parker, Roselands and Birrong leisure and aquatic centres with Harlee Elite Management, dominated the competition at the recent championships.
The local swimmers secured gold in the 5km 15-year-old boys and girls heat, gold in the 5km 18-year-old boys heat, and gold in the mixed relay event.
Head coach Alex Clarke said the squad had a goal to bag a medal, and to come away with eight was a major achievement.
“This is probably one of the biggest milestones for our club,” Mr Clarke said.
“Out of the 25 kids we had compete, 15 of them finished in the top 10 in the country. To have this much success so quickly, in our fourth year, is pretty extraordinary.”
Mr Clarke also praised the efforts of his coaching staff and said: “The facilities we have are remarkable for us to be able to run our programs throughout year-round in summer and winter.”
Mayor Khal Asfour says these young athletes have not only increased the profile of ocean water swimming, but have also placed Canterbury-Bankstown on the radar as a place where young champions are made.
“I’m so proud of these young stars who have poured their heart and soul into being the best version of themselves, both in and out of the water to model what it means to be a good sport,” he said.
“They set a fine example of not only what can be achieved when you are dedicated and work hard at something, but what our residents are capable of on the national stage.
“With the Tokyo 2020 swimming Olympic trials coming up, I’m am confident we’ll be seeing one of our own joining the ranks of the Australian Swim Team, very soon.”
