Swimmer Alexander Clarence nominated for Local Sports Star

EACH year, Alexander Clarence gets faster and stronger in the pool.

Alexander Clarence makes a splash.

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EACH year, Alexander Clarence gets faster and stronger in the pool.

Starting at a 24th placing at the state championship when he was eight years old, Alexander worked up to a fifth place a year later, and now, at 10 years old, the Caddies Creek student placed second, with a minuscule, 0.03 second split between him and first place.

“When I hit the wall, I didn’t want to look up. I was too afraid to see my time, but when I did, I was in shock,” the Glenwood swimmer said.

Alexander Clarence’s form has improved in the pool.

“Stepping on the block, I was shaking a bit — all I could do was race as hard as I could.”

Alexander’s previous personal-best time of 41.24 sec for the 50m freestyle was easily beaten by his latest personal best of 30.94 sec, with a time that could put him in the running for a place at the Metropolitan Championship and Pacific Games.

“I feel like I have a good chance of placing at the (metro) championships, but it’s hard to say what will happen, ” he said.

Despite a speediness in the pool, Alexander mostly loves the social aspect of the sport, with the added benefit of being able to beat his friends in a race.

“I love jumping in the pool and splashing my friends ... the best part is racing my friends and being faster than all of them — that’s one of the best things,” he said.

Alexander has been nominated for the Local Sports Star awards’ Individual category.

Other categories are Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.

Visit localsportsstars.com.au.