CORLETTE superfish Ebony Nix and Stefan Grant are chasing national swimming championship medals in different countries.
The talented duo are part of a strong Nelson Bay Swim Club contingent that will participate in this week’s Australian Age Swimming Championships at Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
Thirteen year old whiz kid Stefan – the club’s youngest national qualifier – has opted to compete across the Tasman at the New Zealand Age Group Swimming titles to be staged at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre.
He will line up in six events.
One of the brightest prospects unearthed by the Nelson Bay club, super fit Stefan has developed into a formidable swimmer in the butterfly and freestyle disciplines.
Dubbed the “Port Stephens iron man”, the versatile schoolboy will contest the 13yrs Boys 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, 400m individual medley plus the 800m freestyle and 1500m freestyle endurance events, against the best young talent from New Zealand.
Meantime, 17-year-old Ebony, one of the most decorated swimmers to emerge from Port Stephens ranks, will compete in her fifth National Age Swimming Championships.
Fresh from her success at the NSW Country Swimming titles, the gifted Ebony is aiming to medal in the 17yrs Girls 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke as well as the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle sprint events.
Ebony and Stefan will be joined at the national championships by Nelson Bay club mates Randal Ingram, Lara Budd and Lachlan Parker.
Seventeen-year-old Randal will line up in the 18yrs Boys 50m breaststroke and 100m breaststroke events while 14-year-old Lara will do likewise in the 14yrs Girls division.
It is the second occasion that promising Lara has qualified for the national titles and a just reward for her improved performances in the pool.
The emerging Lachlan has qualified for three sprint events in the 14yrs Boys division; the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly.
All five are coached by leading Nelson Bay swim coach Tom Davis and produced stand-out performances at the recent NSW Country Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
Nelson Bay Swim Club official Andi Budd told News Of The Area that they were “five of the most dedicated young swimmers to emerge from the region and wonderful ambassadors for the sport”.
“They continue to work hard and thrive under the coaching of Tom and have clocked some sizzling times at various carnivals this season.
“Each swimmer [is] a great role model for their club mates and deserves success.”
By Chris KARAS
