My Nationals by Ethan Daws

I was hoping to qualify for 2015 Georgina Hope Foundation Age Swimming Championships in Sydney, in April this year. I took two months off going overseas and knew this would be quite difficult to achieve. After talking to the coaches I knew I would have to train hard if I was to get close to my pbs. I attended several swimming meets to try and reach my pbs. I eventually qualified for 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle. On Saturday the 18th of April, Dad and I caught a plane to Sydney. We arrived at midday and relaxed at the hotel. The next day I started my warm up and prepared myself for the 100m freestyle. I was the slowest swimmer in my race, I swam as hard as I could and came 2nd, slicing 7 seconds off my personal best. After they reorganised the point system, I was placed 4th. After the 100m freestyle, I went back to the hotel to relax and returned for the afternoon session. Then I swam the 50m breaststroke and again I placed 4th and slicing a second off my pb. The last race of the day was my 50m butterfly and coming 4th again I took another 2 seconds off my pb. After a successful day I went back to the hotel and had an early day. I got up in the morning and did another warm up in the pool. I got ready for my 50m freestyle, I was the second quickest person in this race. I sliced 2 seconds off my time and had placed in 2nd. This was my first time that I have been on the national podium for multiclass. I was ecstatic to say the least. After receiving my medal we quickly rushed to the airport to get home. Being at nationals has given me the urge to go to the next level. Next year I would like to go again to Georgian Hope and open nationals as well. I thoroughly enjoy swimming against competitive multiclass swimmers.