Chanel College student Shianne Plunkett ends 28-year swimming record held by current Assistant Principal Kristi Bourke

Lunchtime bragging rights for this Central Queensland swimmer have just been boosted, as she ended an almost three-decade long swimming record set by the school’s now assistant principal. See how the pair get along.

A Central Queensland student has smashed a swimming record which stood at her school for almost three decades, incredibly set by the school’s current assistant principal.

Gladstone’s Chanel College held its annual swimming carnival earlier this week where students came out in force and colours to celebrate and witness their very best compete across multiple events.

Year 10 student, Shianne Plunkett swam brilliantly on the day and set the new record for the 50m Butterfly event, finishing with a time of 30.25.

Almost 28 years ago to the day, a Chanel College student named Kristi Bourke — who is better known by today’s community as Assistant Principal (Mission) Ms Bourke — swam a rapid 30.28.

Chanel College Year 10 student, Shianne Plunkett alongside long-time record holder and Assistant Principal Kristi Bourke. Picture: supplied

The sentimentality was not lost on the two fine swimmers who discussed the long-held record in the days leading up to this year’s carnival.

Ms Bourke said the pair had shared a similar path in their early years and was delighted that Shianne was able to edge out the new record.

“It is certainly very similar to my own story, if it was going to be broken by anyone, I was excited for it to be Shianne … I think I was more excited about it than she was,” Ms Bourke said.

“What a great experience to share with Shianne, she is such a hardworking and humble student.”

The swimming carnival was hosted by the Gladstone Aquatic Centre as students battled it out for Chanel College’s 2022 swimming carnival. Picture: Paul Braven

The new champion, Shianne said Ms Bourke was so supportive and it was incredible to share the moment with her.

“I was really pumped before the race to swim my best, touching the wall I had no idea (of the result), but Mrs Bourke screamed so I was hoping that meant I broke it … she was really supportive,” Ms Plunkett said.

“We always talk about swimming with each other which is nice, I really enjoy listening to her experiences and learning from her.”

While Shianne was excited to have her name added to the record books, she doubts her time will stand for anywhere near as long as 28 years.

Chanel College staff say they have a number of students and strong swimmers looking to break records in the coming years. Picture: Chanel College (supplied)

“It would be nice to break a few more before I finish school, this is my first record at Chanel.”

Ms Bourke said while she was humbled to still have her name to several records at the school, “records are made to be broken”.

The connection for the pair doesn’t end there, with Shianne swimming at the same club Ms Bourke did, the Gladstone Gladiators Swimming Club.

Ms Bourke had a decorated career as a swimmer too, being a state and national representative, a three-time state gold and silver medallist, being awarded an AIS scholarship and an Australia Day Young Sportsperson Award.

Chanel College has a host of young super fish and up-and-coming superstars to look to break records including Connor Asher, Grace Wright, Maddison and Ella Whitaker, Tom Crawshaw, William Padfield and Hannah Balisnomo.