Ten Western Australian athletes are currently competing at the Queensland Championships, marking a pivotal moment in their journey towards national team selection for 2024.
Leading the charge is Iona Anderson (Breakers/WAIS) who has unofficially claimed the title of Western Australia's fastest-ever swimmer in the 100m backstroke. Breaking Holly Barratt's open record with a spectacular finish in 59.43, Anderson secured the silver medal by overtaking Mollie O’ Callaghan in the final 50m.
Fresh from a two-week training and competition stint in Japan, Joshua Yong (UWA West Coast/WAIS) and Talara-Jade Dixon (St Hilda’s c: Zoe Baker) both secured spots in the A Finals of the 100m breaststroke. Yong clinched the bronze medal, an impressive form after leading the heats session, while Dixon secured sixth place, improving upon her morning heat time.
The rising star, Junior Dolphin Johann Szymanski (Highlanders, c: Ryan Steenkamp), continues to impress with personal best times in the 200m and 400m freestyle. Szymanski's performance in the 400m freestyle final not only earned him a sixth-place finish but also saw him unofficially break his own 18-year-old WA-All Time record, crossing the finish line in a groundbreaking time of 3:54.
The trio from Fenix Swim Club, Inez Miller, Isabel Sheldrick, and Maeve McKenna (c: Deb Jones), are running big campaigns in Queensland as they gain crucial race experience against some of the nations’ best. McKenna's 1.5-second personal best in the 100m Breaststroke B-Final secured her an impressive eighth place, while Sheldrick claimed sixth place in the 100m Backstroke B-Final.
Alyssa Burgess (Breakers/WAIS) claimed first place in the 100m Backstroke B-Final, surpassing her heat time by nearly two seconds. Talia Wilkinson (St Hildas’ WA, c: Zoe Baker) has a huge program so far, with highlights including a notable fifth place in the 17-18 years 200m breaststroke.
The Queensland Championships will continue until Friday, December 15, with Western Australian athletes eager to return home for the upcoming Hancock Prospecting WA Championships starting on Friday.
Stay tuned for the next update on Thursday, December 14, as these athletes continue to reach new heights.
