Abbey Connor: Panania 17-year old set for international swimming competition
This young sports star is part of a strong generation of swimmers putting a southwest Sydney swim club onto the world stage.
The Express
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A teenager from Panania is travelling overseas for the first time to compete as an international swimmer.
Abbey Connor left on Saturday for the FINA World Championships in Budapest from June 18 to July 3 and will follow up with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham from July 28 to August 8.
She’s also among the youngest Australians to qualify for both teams.
The teenager is part of a young generation of swimmers from Canterbury-Bankstown finding success in the pool, and said all the effort is worth it.
“You have to put in the hard work and I really like seeing the results out of that work you do,” Abbey said.
“It takes a lot of dedication and time, but when you love what you’re doing and have support around you, it makes it all worth it.”
Abbey trains across pools in the area, including with the Revesby Workers Swimming Club, and under the guidance of coach Alex Clarke.
“The Max Parker Centre is close to home for me and it’s a really great facility,” Abbey said.
“They’ve put in new diving blocks and all the equipment is awesome.
“It’s been a really huge help with my training.”
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour said he was proud of the young swimmer’s success.
“These young stars train at our pools day in and day out, a true demonstration of what hard work and determination can achieve,” Mayor Asfour said.
“I’m so proud to see Abbey reach for the stars and cannot wait to cheer her on as she competes in the Commonwealth Games.”
Abbey was also set to compete at the Junior World Open Water Championships in the Seychelles, along with fellow Canterbury-Bankstown swimmer Kai Robertson, but will no longer be attending.
Abbey said the World Championships and Commonwealth Games were an opportunity to learn from the best and grow further as a swimmer.
“I’m so excited to travel the world for the first time, especially with the well known swimmers in my team like Ariarne Titmus,” Abbey said.
“If all goes well, I’ll be training even harder for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
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