Singleton talents Billy Moody and Alix O'Bryan hit the pool in the sunshine state earlier this month, racing for high stakes of National titles.
The Singleton Swimming Club duo competed at the 2021 Australian Age Swimming Championships under guidance of coach Melisa Geale at the Gold Coast Swimming and Aquatic Centre in Southport over the Easter holidays.
Fifteen year old Alix O'Bryan competed in a total of four events including the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, 200m medley and the 400m medley in her age category.
"Overall I think I did pretty well, I beat my PB in two events and over all my ranking improved from what I entered in," said the competitive swimmer.
O'Bryan's top result was 15th in the 200m backstroke in which she conquered her personal best with a time of 2 minutes and 27 seconds.
"Backstroke is probably my strongest stroke despite being shorter than most of the girls I am competing against," she said.
The young swimmer had been training six to seven times a week before and after school at the Singleton Swim and Gym in preparation for the big event.
"It was a different experience competing at nationals as I am used to racing against the same girls in NSW.
"I got to meet and race against other girls from all over the country which was really interesting."
For fifteen year old Billy Moody, the event was considered a huge success, as he returned home with two bronze medals in hand.
"I managed to beat PB's in all events, my 200m butterfly was the biggest PB which I dropped 2.2 seconds in resulting in third place in the competition," said the fifteen year old.
Billy competed in five events across the eight days including the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle as well as the 100m and 200m butterfly, which he took home third place in both events.
"It was a pretty surreal experience swimming in the pool that hosted the Commonwealth games only a few years ago," Moody claimed.
Billy is now in the realm of National title holders alongside his older brother and sister who both are also champions in the pool.
"I think my biggest take away from the experience is that I am just happy to be able to return home with new PB's more than anything.
"I am happy knowing my best is my best, you have to focus on that rather than medals," Moody continued.
The pair will now prepare for upcoming winter competitions including the school state carnival next week and the country championships later this year.
"A big shout out to both of our families, our coach Melisa and the swimming squad who have all been very supportive of Alix and I," said Moody.
