Queensland swim teen Lizzy Dekkers on cusp of Games

Queensland teen Lizzy Dekkers produced an Olympic Games qualifying time and will be one of the youngest Australian swimming Olympians if she is named in the Dolphins team in June.

Queensland teen Lizzy Dekkers produced an Olympic Games qualifying time this morning and will be one of the youngest Australian swimming Olympians if she is named in the Dolphins team in June.

Dekkers finished behind Brianna Throssell in 2.07.82 in the 200m butterfly at the Australian swimming championships on the Gold Coast.

And another young gun, Rackley Centenary’s Tom Neill, claimed his first national title while freestyle sprinter Mollie O’Callaghan (St Peters Western) was fifth in the 100m, but in a quick time of 53.80 while also gaining value big race experience.

RELATED LINKS

QUEENSLAND SCHOOLGIRL HIGH ACHIEVERS

HAYLEY LEWIS’ SON BLAZES TO SUB 50

Although not a personal best time, Dekker’s 200m butterfly time it was still an Olympic Games qualifying performance by the All Hallows’ School year 12 student.

Newmarket Racers awimmer Lizzy Dekkers Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Dekkers, 16, is beautifully positioned to win a spot on the Olympic team which will be finalised after the Olympic trials in June.

“I am relieved to do that time and I look forward to continuing to progress at the Olympic trials,’’ Dekkers said.

Dekkers mum, Lyn, said it had been a huge effort by her daughter to hold her form across the All Age Nationals last week, into the open nationals.

Last week Dekkers, who is coached by Steve Miller at Newmarket Racers, did a time of 2:07.25, which highlights her potential in this event.

Dekkers is 18 months older that Leisel Jones (Sydney) and Sandra Morgan ((Melbourne) who represented Australia in swimming as 14 year olds, but 16 is young to achieve an Olympic qualifying time.

Rackley Centenary Swim Club’s Tom Neill. .

Neill, 18, threw down a 7:51.65 to claim his first national title ahead of Dolphins Jack McLoughlin (Chandler) (7:59.33) and Nick Sloman (Noosa) (8:00.68).

The 2019 World Junior Championship silver medallist was elated with his performance.

It’s really nice. You know, this is this meet is a stepping stone for all of us, heading towards June and trials, but it’s nice confidence wise to put a good time and a good race together,” said Neill, a Terrace old boy.

“Racing these bigger boys and others, a lot more competition. There’s no age brackets, no excuses now. It’s just about getting up, not being afraid and trying to give it to them.”