Josh Wilkie champions proverb: If at first you don’t succeed, try again – and again

Forget third time lucky. Swimmer Josh Wilkie is championing a new number — 18th time lucky. For the past seven years Wilkie has made it to NSW level 17 times — and come fourth in every race. Up until two weeks ago.

Swimmer Josh Wilkie has broken a seven year medal drought, bringing home two gold, one silver and another two bronze medals from the state championships. Picture: Craig Wilson

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Forget third time lucky. Swimmer Josh Wilkie is championing a new number — 18th time lucky.

Wilkie, 18, last won a medal at state championships when he was 11 in the 200m backstroke.

For the past seven years he has made it to NSW level 17 times — and come fourth in every race.

That was until two weeks ago, when Wilkie broke through the glass wall and won two gold, one silver and another two bronze medals for good measure at Homebush.

“The relief,” the Padstow Height swimmer said.

“It became a bit of a running joke that I’d come fourth every time. But everything fell into place — I would have been happy with one medal.”

Josh Wilkie is going from strength to strength in backstroke. Picture: Craig Wilson

He is now ranked the fastest in the 17/18 years 200m backstroke leading into the national short course championships in October and the Commonwealth Games trials in February.

Wilkie, who is the club captain for Revesby Workers’ Club swimming, said the turning point for him was a conversation with his coach and mentor Alex Clarke — of Harley Elite swimming.

“I went to Alex a few weeks ago and my head was all over the place, I didn’t know if I wanted to finish swimming,” Wilkie said.

“I put my success down to everything he said that motivated me to be the best I can.”

Victory at last - Josh Wilkie with his state medal haul. Picture: Craig Wilson

Wilkie too has become a mentor for other young swimmers, says Clarke.

“He has been determined to continue to strive for the top and with hard work, dedication to sticking to a plan and his goals, has succeeded,” Clarke said.

“He was also an exceptional role model for another young gun within our squad Henri who is 13 who looks up to Josh and recorded some red hot times his age and received three bronze medals (at state).”

Wilkie’s message to other young swimmers?

“Stick with it, never give up,” he said.

“If you’re having a hard time there’s always someone you can talk to.”

Wilkie’s determination and hard work have made him this week’s Local Sports Star nominee for Young Sporting Spirit Individual.

LSS has five categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Stars Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.