Sport
29 November, 2023
FNQ’s best for State titles
LABELLED as the dark horse of the competition, 50 of FNQ’s best swimmers are ready to take the State competition by surprise in Brisbane from December 9-15, and play for the chance to make it into nationals and Olympic qualifiers in 2024.
Fifty athletes across 18 FNQ swimming clubs are heading into their last training sessions before heading to Brisbane for the Hancock Prospecting Queensland Championships from December 9-15 to qualify for the national championships in April 2024.
FNQ Swimming president Jim Greatorex said this year the local clubs had talent to spare.
“This year we’ll have about 50 swimmers heading down to the Queensland swimming champs, these are the best and hardest to qualify for state swimming champs in Australia and qualifying times are very similar to those required to go to nationals,” he said.
“We’re very much punching above our weight in terms of talent so we’re expecting several medals through the events. We have some very strong and well-known swimmers in our 16–17-year-olds and we’ve got some up-and-comers in the 12-13 year old groups that will surprise the southerners.”
Competing since 2021 under Marlin Coast coach Troy Gazzola, Miss O’Neile qualified for her first state championships in 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle and has been labelled as one of the black horses that will surprise the southeast swimmers.
“I’m super nervous but I’m also really excited for state championships, I don’t really care about what heat I’m in, I just care about doing really well and having fun,” she said.
“And I’m very proud that I’m one of the few that’s made it this far, hopefully I’ll make it into nationals in April and from that maybe make it into the Olympics.”
Two of the FNQ hopefuls are first-timer Chloe O’Neile, 12, from the Marlin Coast Swimming Club and TAS Swimming rising star Albert An, 17.
Seasoned swimmer Albert An from TAS Swimming has his eyes set on Olympic glory, he is a member of the QLD state and FNQ development squad and is the current under-18 national champion in 50 and 100 metre breaststroke.
Already qualified for state and national championships, Mr An is looking to break his records and become an Olympic qualifier.
“Swimming is an individual sport, I like the fact that I’m in control of everything and the results are from all the effort I’ve put in and I love pushing myself every day,” he said.
“My biggest achievement so far was nationals this year, I became the national champion in the 50 and 100 metre breaststroke and qualified for the world championship trials in June.
“The Olympic trials are held next year, and I believe I’ve made the time and if I haven’t, I’m pretty close to it, so I want to make it to trials to see how well I can perform against the older men in my age group.
“I’m feeling optimistic for these states, but the ultimate goal is nationals and improving myself in general, even if it’s not a gold medal, as long as I’m getting better.
“I’m just proud to be representing the region where I’ve grown up and show that swimmers at rural areas can do well at states and nationals.”
