Thomas Neill and Queensland teammates Ryan, Forrester and Jacobson claim world silver medals

Thomas Neill’s extraordinary trajectory in continued overnight when he opened Australia’s medal count at the world junior swimming championships in Budapest. Michaela Ryan, Jenna Forrester and Rebecca Jacobson also won silver medals.

Thomas Neill’s extraordinary trajectory in swimming continued overnight when he opened Australia’s medal count at the world junior swimming championships being staged in Budapest.

Neill, from the Rackley’s Centenary team, rose to the occasion to produce a personal best time 3:46.27 in the 400m freestyle.

On a night which also saw St Peters Western’s Mollie O’Callaghan secure a place in tonight’s 100m backstroke final, St Peters teammates Michaela Ryan and Jenna Forrester linked with Albany Creek’s Rebecca Jacobson and Lani Pallister to claim a relay silver.

Emerging Albany Creek swimmer Rebecca Jacobson won a silver medal.. (AAP Image/Regi Varghese)

They made up the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay which finished second in 7:57.87 behind the USA.

Pallister led the team (1.58.61), followed by Ryan (1.59.11) and Jacobson (2.00.71). Forrester (1.59.44) brought the team home.

Ryan and Forrester, coached by Dean Boxall, both attend St Peters Lutheran College while Jacobson, who is coached by Richard Sleight at Albany Creek, attends Craigslea State High School.

St Peters Western Swimmers Mollie O'Challaghan, Meg Harris, Michaela Ryan and Jenna Forrester are at the world junior swimming championships.

Neill’s individual performance was reward for his hard work and dedication under the coaching of Damien Jones.

Neill admires the swimming deeds of the great Grant Hackett and ironically he swims the same events as the Olympic champion.

St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace principal Dr Michael Carroll said the community was proud of Neill’s performance.

“The entire Terrace family has been looking forward to Thomas’s performance, and we are incredibly proud of him for this outstanding achievement,’’ Dr Carroll said.

“Few people are aware of Tom’s dedication and commitment, largely because he is such a humble young man.

“He never makes a fuss or looks for recognition, despite the magnitude of his achievements. “Tom is a fabulous example of the value of hard work for all in our community. We are delighted for Tom and his wonderful family and we look forward to a future filled with many more highlights.’’

Thomas Neill and Bronte Job flank their coach Damien Jones at Rackley Centenary.

Neill’s teammate at Rackley Centenary, All Hallows’ School student Bronte Job (100m backstroke), reached the semi-finals.

Another All Hallows’ student, Georgia Powell of Newmarket Racers, finished one place from a finals’ berth in the 50m freestyle.

Forrester also finished ninth in 400m IM.

David Lush’s swimmer from Brisbane Grammar’s Alexander Grant was 15th overall in the 400m freestyle.