Jarod Strassmeir puts in hard laps for bronze NSW state age championships

WAKING up at 4.30am for intense training sessions paid off when swimmer Jarod Strassmeir won three bronze medals.

2013.02.01 Swim

WAKING up at 4.30am for intense training sessions paid off when Catherine Field swimmer Jarod Strassmeir won three bronze medals at the NSW 13-18 years state age championships earlier this month.

The 14-year-old qualified for four finals at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, where he placed third in the 1500m, 400m and 200m freestyle events.

He also placed fifth in the 100m freestyle and achieved personal best times in all the eight individual events he entered.

Strassmeir said he attributed the results to a hectic training schedule.

"I set my alarm for 4.30am almost every weekday and I'm in Camden pool from 5.30-7am. Then it's off to school for the day," he said.

"After school I swim from 5.30-7pm. If you want to train twice a day, a session before school is necessary and definitely paid off with my bronze medals."

The William Carey Christian School student also said he "couldn't do without" coaches Scott Bradwell, Lisa Thompson and Tatiana Matts.

After the championships Strassmeir was selected in the NSW age development squad to work with state coaches and swimmers.s

Jarod Strassmeir, 14, with coach Scott Bradwell at Camden pool. Strassmeir won three bronze medals at the NSW 13-18 years state age championships.