Moreton Bay College student Amelia Weber qualifies for the Olympic Swimming trials

Moreton Bay College student Amelia Weber has capped 12 months of sustained improvement by snaring a place at the Olympic Swimming trials later this year.

Moreton Bay College student Amelia Weber has capped 12 months of sustained improvement by snaring a place at the Olympic Swimming trials later this year.

Weber, 13, who is coached by Shaun Crow at the Rackley Hibiscus Club, produced Olympic trial qualifying times in the 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle and 1500m events at the state swimming titles.

TEENAGE SWIMMER QUALIFIES FOR OLYMPIC TRIALS

Her swag of medals at the titles included individual medals for the 13 years 400m freestyle (gold), and second placings in the 200m freestyle, 800m, 1500m and 400m individual medley.

Weber aimed to soak up the atmosphere at the Olympic trials and use the experience as a springboard to performing at big meets later in her career.

“My aims for the trials is just to have a go, experience the meet with all of the rules and procedures, and get used to the environment so that when 2022 Comm Games and Paris 2024 (Olympic Games) come around, I am ready when it counts,’’ Weber said.

Weber said she was surprised to achieve Olympic trial qualifying times, particularly in the 1500m where she was a novice.

OLYMPIC SIGN INSPIRES ST PETERS WESTERN SWIMMERS

“I had only swum the 1500m freestyle one other time and I was hoping for a good PB (personal best) but I didn’t expect a huge PB and to come under the trials qualifying time.

“After this one, I did wonder what other races I could qualify for and did challenge myself to see if I could qualify for more races.’’

She said training hard had been the key to improving across the last 12 months.

“My secret to my improvement within the last 12 months is to consistently attend training and making sure that I always put in 100 per cent in each training session,’’ Weber said.

“I try my best to follow race plans during my races and do what my coaches have asked me to do.

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“My coaches Sam Sharp (Acacia Bayside) and Shaun Crow (Rackley Hibiscus) have also increased my workload which has also contributed to my improvement in swimming times.’’

Weber said she enjoyed the challenge of performing at meets and training with her friends.

“I like the feel of swimming in the pool, the feel of excitement and nervousness combined when I am racing.

“I like swimming with my friends and also meeting swimmers from other clubs when I am competing,’’ she said.