Hayley Rowlands goes to nationals and breaks Tracey Menzies’ 200m freestyle record all in one year
Bitter 4.30am pool starts in winter would be enough for most kids to raise the white flag, but Hayley Rowlands isn’t most kids. She’s on a record-breaking run in the pool and is this week’s Local Sports Star.
Local Sports Stars
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sports Stars. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Bitter 4.30am pool starts in winter would be enough for most kids to raise the white flag, but Hayley Rowlands isn’t most kids.
The 14-year-old swimmer came late to the sport, starting squad training just three years ago.
But in that time, as her mum Jolenne Phillips says, it’s just been “boom, boom boom”.
“She just went from area swim meets, to state and then nationals this year,” Ms Phillips said.
It’s true that 2017 has been a big year for the Panania swimmer.
In February, Hayley broke a 31-year-old record set by Tracey Menzies, Ian Thorpe’s swim coach, for the 200m freestyle.
In April she was selected for the national age championships in Brisbane in the 200m and the 800m freestyle. She placed 10th overall.
Most recently Hayley took out the 13 years age championships in Metro South West area.
This week the young swimmer is looking to compete in eight races at the state age short course championships in Homebush.
Hayley has been under the whistle of Alex Clarke from swimming school Harlee Elite, who said Hayley’s attitude has been as inspirational as her achievements: “We have a large range of kids form nine to 18, but they all look up to Hayley, even though she’s only 14.”
Hayley was nominated for Local Sports Star’s Junior Sports Star Individual by Rowa Omari, the mother of her swimming mate Hannah. She said Hayley was an inspiration to Hannah.
LSS has five categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Stars Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.
Nominate someone at localsportsstars.com.au
‘Wowzee, he’s quick’: Rugby’s future on show in U14s County v City
There’s a son of a gun who couldn’t be more different from his famous dad with a rugby IQ ‘off the charts’. U14 guns to watch at City v Country rugby this weekend.
Deep dive: Stars to watch at Aus Interschool Surfing Titles
More than 2000 of the country’s best young surfers will compete in the inaugural Australian Interschools Surfing Championships on the Gold Coast. We reveal the must-watch stars who will make history here.