Casuarina Swimming Club’s Pippa Hunter crowned shortcourse champ

Pippa Hunter channelled her inner Emma McKeon as she took out the SwimNT Junior Short Course Championship. Read about her incredible performance.

Pippa Hunter channelled her inner Emma McKeon as she took out the SwimNT Junior Short Course Championship.

The 12-year-old who swims out of Casuarina Storm Swimming Club, was literally unbeatable at the meet.

Not just a one trick pony, Hunter raced in every stroke, taking out the gold an astonishing eight times.

A humble champion that has tasted success before, Hunter said the meet was arguably her most successful to date.

“This was a pretty successful meet for me,” she said.

“I also did well at the NT long course championships this year.

“I made some great times and was the 12-year-old age champion and also the champion female of the meet.

“I have had other meets where I have achieved many PBs, but I would say this would be one of my most successful meets.”

Involved in the sport since she was a baby and a member of the club’s swimming squad for the past few years, Hunter said that she did not necessarily have a favourite stroke and her results certainly backed up that claim.

She won gold in the 100m IM, 200m free, 50m fly, 50m breast, 50m back, 100m free, 50m free and 100m back.

Pippa Hunter crowned 2024 NT Junior Short Course Champ. Picture: Casuarina Swimming Club Facebook.

“I like all strokes, but my favourites are backstroke and freestyle,” she said.

“At comps I do all the strokes but I do more freestyle and backstroke.

“I find backstroke cool because you are on your back and it’s different.

“Freestyle is one of my favourites and I have always enjoyed doing it.”

Like all athletes, Hunter said having a great coach in her corner was a huge advantage and had helped her find success.

But despite the allure of wearing the green and gold in the future, Hunter said she swam for herself and that’s what kept her going.

“I really enjoy swimming at Cas and I have a really great coach Sam who makes me work hard at training but always encourages me to do my best,” she said.

“As much as I would love to swim in the Olympics it would not be a goal of mine, although I would love to go and watch.

“I don’t think I would want to take swimming that seriously, I just like having fun and doing my best to make myself proud.”

Originally published as Casuarina Swimming Club’s Pippa Hunter crowned shortcourse champ