Two talented Port Macquarie swimmers have returned from the national titles in Queensland confident it won't be the last time they appear at that level.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kiera Hetherington and Lily Barlow achieved impressive personal results last month suggesting if they continue to work hard, the sky's the limit.
"It was one of the best experiences I've ever had through swimming," she said.
"Being there knowing you've qualified for something you've had a dream for for so long and then being there with all those people who could be future Olympians was really good.
"It gives you a lot of confidence."
The 15-year-old felt she could have achieved a better result than she did, although her Australian ranking in the 200-metre freestyle is better than it was at the start of the event.
Regardless, whatever the Port Macquarie Swimming Club member is doing, it's working.
"I definitely focused a lot more on swimming in the last 12 months than I probably had previously," she said.
"I've made sure I'm eating well, getting enough sleep and trying to balance school, social life and swimming."
Clubmate Lily achieved a three-second personal best in the 200-metre freestyle while she did a one-second PB in the 400-metre freestyle.
"It was a really good experience and it lifted my spirits because I was really happy and I felt like I earned it because of all the training I had put in," she said.
The 14-year-old knows she needs to improve her turns.
"I just need to practice harder, be stronger and work a bit harder out of the water - like in the gym or something," she said.
"I have to push my limits and make sure I'm trying my hardest or as hard as I can during the season or off season and I need to stay motivated."
What else is happening in news, sport?
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- You can support us with a subscription
- Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Google News