FNQ talent pool ready to make a splash

The best swimmers in the region are eager to make a splash at the FNQ Swimming Short Course Championships.

The best swimmers in the region are eager to make a splash at the FNQ Swimming Short Course Championships.

The carnival begins on Friday night at the TAS Aquatic Centre and runs until Sunday afternoon.

TAS Swimming club members Ike Martinez and Tom Chen will both compete in the upcoming FNQ Swimming Short Course Championships. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

TAS Swimming’s Ike Martinez, the boys’ 13-year-old state age champion and national record holder for the 200m butterfly in his age group, is aiming to break the Queensland record.

“The year’s been a bit stuffed up from the coronavirus, but it’s good to have an opportunity to get back into the pool,” Martinez said.

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TAS Swimming club member Ike Martinez will compete in 12 events at the weekend’s FNQ Swimming Short Course Championships. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Clubmate Thomas Chen said he worked hard to maintain his fitness during the COVID-19 break.

“I bought some gym stuff like some weights and a rowing machine and I’ve been doing some home workouts,” he said.

“It’s kept me in shape but I think swimming in the pool is the best training.”

He said he would be focused in the water this weekend.

“The night before, I go through a routine of massaging myself with some Deep Heat and going through meditation, and the next morning I’m ready to race.”

Originally published as FNQ talent pool ready to make a splash