Hammondville swimmer Declan Grohala has eye on prize
He is making waves in Australian swimming championships, and southwest Sydney swimmer Declan Grohala has his eye on the prize – the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Liverpool
Don't miss out on the headlines from Liverpool. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games are in sight for Liverpool swimmer Declan Grohala.
Last year the 17-year-old from Hammondville took home a gold medal in the senior boys 200m individual medley at the Australian All Schools Swimming Championships.
Declan believes the 2020 Olympics is an ambitious goal – but his determination to represent his country has him balancing his HSC studies with 18 hours of training every week.
“I’m always hungry and tired but there aren’t too many bad things about swimming because most of my friends are swimmers, so it’s still fun,” Declan said.
Declan was also named Liverpool Council’s Australia Day Sportsperson of the Year for 2017 and received a Pierre De Coubertin Award from the Australian Olympic Committee for his achievements.
Declan’s father Phillip said his son’s success was not measured by records or medals.
“It’s the reward you get from watching your child develop into a fine young person,” Mr Grohala said.
Aside from his own success, Declan has also proved himself a leader and a friend to other aspiring swimmers.
“A parent of another young Liverpool swimmer, Ricky Batar, approached us just last week after reading another story on Declan in the Liverpool Leader.
“Ricky is going to swim at the National Championships for the first time this Easter and, without prompting, Declan attended Ricky’s training session and spoke with him about what to expect – that to me is the best example I can give of a true Local Sports Star.”
Declan is a nominee for the Local Sports Star Awards in the Junior Sports Star Individual category.
Visit localsportsstars.com.au.
Revealed: Players you need to watch at National Netball Championships
Future Diamonds will shine on the court at the National Netball Championships. Find out which players you should be keeping an eye on during the week-long tournament.
National Netball Champs 2024: NSW unveiled, Crombie’s bid for one better
The 2024 National Netball Championships are fast approaching. While NSW reveal their new and returning names, one of Queensland’s top shooters is candid with the fact she has unfinished business on the national stage. Full story inside: