Brendan Holden is swimming in a sea of gold

What is the biggest similarity between swimmer Brendan Holden and his hero Michael Phelps? An insatiable appetite for gold.

Swimmer Brendan Holden is a nominee for the Hills Shire Times Local Sports Stars competition. Picture: WinkiPoP Media

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What is the biggest similarity between swimmer Brendan Holden and his hero Michael Phelps?

An insatiable appetite for gold.

The 12-year-old, from Beecroft, is one of the country’s biggest rising swim stars, having amassed an incredible 17 gold medals at the state level this year.

His golden run has included a clean sweep of every backstroke title in NSW and an undefeated run at the 2019 South Australian State Age Championships.

“I still can’t believe (it),” Brendan said.

“Winning seven gold medals from seven finals was just amazing and unexpected. This is such a tough sport that my goal of achieving selection to represent Australia internationally on any competitive swim team would be a sensational achievement.”

Brendan is a nominee for the Northern District Times’ Local Sports Stars competition, which celebrates talented athletes.

Local Sports Stars is proudly sponsored by Featherdale Wildlife Park.

For details or to nominate, go to localsportsstars.com.au