Synchronised swimmer Andreja Despotovic flies into nationals

International Grammar School’s Andreja Despotovic learnt to swim before she learnt how to walk. It wasn’t long before the Year 11 student fell in love with competitive swimming, and later synchronised swimming.

Synchronised Swimming student at IGS, Andreja Despotovic (above).

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International Grammar School’s Andreja Despotovic learnt to swim before she learnt how to walk.

It wasn’t long before the Year 11 student fell in love with competitive swimming, and later synchronised swimming.

Synchronised Swimming student at IGS, Andreja Despotovic.

Andreja said she started competing in synchronised swimming at age 12 and went to her first Australian Open and Age Group Championships at age 14.

She has just been selected for the National Synchronised Swimming team at International Grammar School, and is looking forward to competing at the State Championships in March and Nationals in April.

“At both of these competitions I will be doing a free duet, technical duet and an open team,” she said.

In December, Andreja and the national team will also head to Malaysia to compete at the Malaysian Open.

Andreja said what she loves most about the sport is competing.

“The atmosphere at competitions is incredible and having a crowd cheer for you is an amazing feeling,” Andreja said.

“I hope to continue my synchro career for quite a few more years. It is a very demanding sport and a lot of people don’t realise how tough it really is.

“I get very nervous before I compete, whether it’s in front of a small crowd or a large one.

“When I competed for my solo last year at nationals there was so much going through my mind.

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“I was scared I would mess up and let down myself and my coaches.”

Andreja said she was hesitant to try out for the national team but is now thankful that she did.

“I am excited for the many adventures that are to come,” she said.