PORT Macquarie Swimming Club coach Michael Mullens believes his contingent have what it takes to bring a large number of medals back from this weekend’s country titles.
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They will take a squad of almost 30 who will compete across more than 120 events at Sydney Olympic Park.
Up-and-comers William Crowley and Mathilda King are “good chances” of contributing to the medal tally.
12-year-old Mathilda will compete in the 50-metre, 100-metre and 200-metre breaststroke events and the 50-metre freestyle.
“Hopefully I’ll go pretty good and I’ll be happy with a top 10 finish,” she said.
William is ranked in the top three in the 100-metre breaststroke which looms as the event that is his best opportunity to medal.
“I reckon I’ll be strongest in the 100 breaststroke where I’m ranked third so hopefully I’ll medal,” he said.
“I’m trying to get a PB and looking forward to the experience of swimming against the best.
“I’ve never raced against most of the people down there so it does add a little bit of pressure.”
Mullens said it was the largest number of swimmers the club had sent to the country titles.
“There’s a lot of new kids on the block; there’s a lot of new talent coming through,” he said.
The coach said Crowley was one to keep an eye on.
“Billy is unassuming; he’s just so cruisy in the water, but he’s actually quicker than what he looks,” he said.
“He’s very effective with his stroke and so smooth but it comes with results.
“Tilly’s come on in leaps and bounds and she’s only 12 so I think there’s big things coming for her in the future.”
