And, as usual the pair came home with a swag of medals.

However, Gilson also picked up the champion overall male swimmer of the meet.

Both boys say it was a great experience, and they enjoyed being tested at this level.

Gilson competed in thirteen events in total - ten individual ones, and three team relays.

In every individual race he competed in Gilson not only came first, but broke the previous record.

He competed in the 50 and 100 metre freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly, as well as the 200m freestyle and individual medley (IM).

While, Ryan also had full schedule during the week-long meet in the humid conditions.

He came second in the 50m backstroke and butterfly, second in the 100m backstroke, and third in the 200m IM.

They also competed together in three relay teams; achieving two firsts, and a fourth place.

Ryan says it was a great trip, and he established new friendships with many of his New South Wales team mates.

Whilst in Darwin, the team enjoyed visiting popular tourist attractions and were thrilled to go on a crocodile cruise.

Although the boys have returned home, they insist their work is not yet done.

Gilson and Ryan are training rigorously through the week, sometimes before and after school, and competing with their club on the weekends.

Their next goal is to qualify for the International World Championships held in Mexico next year.

But they will have to do the hard yards first, the pair is set to compete at the coast & valley meet this weekend, and at the state age championships in late December.