Please note: this is an old article
It was published in May 2017, so the information may be out-of-date.
Shepparton Swimming Club stalwarts Brennan and Carter Swift have been identified as up-and-coming national talents.
The brothers have been included into the Swimming Victoria State Talent Identification Squad within Swimming Australia’s National Talent Identification Program for 2017, an achievement which rewards great seasons in the pool from the swimmers.
‘‘I am really excited, it was a bit of a surprise,’’ Brennan said.
The inclusion in the squad required the athletes to train with other potential superstars throughout the year to help further their development.
This year’s experience for the Swift brothers will be more involved than for past squad members, with nine training and testing days scheduled between this weekend and late September.
‘‘The experience of having other coaches teach you different stuff is an opportunity that you can’t pass up,’’ Brennan said.
‘‘I was selected in a similar squad last year but it was only one camp, so this will be great.’’
Carter will miss the first training as he will be holidaying, but Brennan was excited to be named with his brother and thankful to those who have helped get them where they are today.
‘‘It will be good to have him there,’’ he said.
‘‘They (Shepparton Swimming Club) have given me a great start and I couldn’t have done it without them.’’
Club head coach Michelle Swift was thrilled with the announcement.
‘‘It is always an exciting opportunity for swimmers to make the squad and it is a part of the Swimming Victoria pathway towards possible future national and international representation,’’ she said.
‘‘To have two swimmers in the squad is always a major achievement for a country club, and something we hope to have swimmers continuously qualify for over the next few years.’’
The recognition for the Swift brothers was the final rubber stamp of approval on an outstanding swimming season for the club, which finished last week at the School Sport Victoria State Primary and Secondary Swimming Championships.
Ollie Guthrie, Kayla McFarlane, Ryley Symes, Aaron Rudge, Nikea Grinter, Steph Moran and Cooper Symes all competed well in freezing conditions in the outdoor pool at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, with three personal bests swum and plenty of experience gained by the young athletes, who have earned a rest after a long season of racing.
Article curtesy of the Shepparton News 3 May 2017. Written by Tyler Maher.
