Swimming in the same lanes as Australian greats Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe was a thrilling experience for swimmers from a small school at Mullengandra in southern NSW.
On Friday, Greater Hume Shire Council Mayor Denise Osborne congratulated young swimmers from the shire who represented the Riverina at the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association Swimming Carnival in Sydney last week.
The star team of the meet was the Mullengandra Public School team of Hayden Keating, Jack Evans, Garry Burns, Lachlan Corrigan and reserve Anna Corrigan who came second in the final.
Mullengandra, a small primary school with teaching principal Julie Twitt, one teacher and 23 students were among
several small schools which did particularly well.
“It was very exciting and we were very proud as it was the first time the school has ever achieved a first, second or third at the state carnival,” said Garry Burns who was the first swimmer in the relay.
On the blocks, “it was a nerve wracking experience, it got to our heads but I was so glad to be there and very happy to have got so far,” Lauchlan Corrigan said.
“Wow, to swim in the same lanes as Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett,” was Jack Evans’ first reaction.
“We had to practice and train really hard to get there,” Hayden Keetings said of their achievement.
The Walbundrie Public School team of Caroline Ellis, Blake Lieschke, Lauren Lieschke, Jessica Kelleher and Ashleigh I’Ansen (reserve) swam their way into the final.
“This is particularly noteworthy given the efforts these young swimmers and their
families need to make as neither of these small communities has a pool,” Cr Osborne said.
Students participating in individual events at the state PSSA carnival were Alyce Parker and Hugh Locke from Holbrook Public School and Alicia Reid and Jessica Reid of Burrumbuttock Public School.
Young swimmers Harrison Macreadie of St Paul’s Henty and Olivia Plunkett and Clare Hassall of St Patrick’s Holbrook have performed well in various competitions.
“It’s great to see our country kids taking part at such a high level, gaining experience and achieving well,” Cr Osborne said.
“All young swimmers are to be congratulated on their success, hard work and
commitment.”
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