Two Northern Beaches brothers are going for gold at the NSW State Age Championships

The best swimming talent in NSW will go head-to-head when the State Age Swimming Championships kick off in Sydney this weekend. READ ABOUT two Northern Beaches brothers chasing gold.

THE best swimming talent in NSW will go head-to-head when the State Age Swimming Championships kick off in Sydney this weekend.

Around 1700 athletes from 150 clubs across the state will compete in a range of events during the week-long championships, including Olympians and Paralympians, along with young up-and-coming talent.

Warringah Aquatic Swim Club are sending their largest team ever, with 61 members taking part, and gold medals up for grabs from night one.

Head coach Cameron Gledhill said the club has been moving in a really positive direction since he joined in 2019, when they sent only around 27 swimmers to the championships.

Warringah Aquatic SC head coach Cameron Gledhill speaking to his swimmers, including brothers Sam and Luke Higgs. Photo from Warringah Aquatic SC Facebook.

Gledhill directly coaches 36 of those heading to SOPAC, including brothers Sam and Luke Higgs.

Sam will be competing in nine individual events in the 16 years age category, and enters the competition as the reigning 400m individual medley national champion.

400m individual medley national champion Sam Higgs plans to go for gold for Warringah Aquatic SC.

His younger brother Luke will feature in the 14 years age group, and holds the NSW Metropolitan record for the 400m and 1500m freestyle.

The boys have a rigorous schedule, with their coach estimating they swim upwards of 40 kilometres every week, including both their pool training schedules and open water training.

Swimmer Luke Higgs from Warringah Aquatic SC will compete in 9 individual events at the competition.

Gledhill said they have around seven or eight sessions a week, which could consist of two hours of training in the morning, 1.5 hours at night, along with sessions in the gym.

However, Gledhill said they have pulled back slightly on training in the lead up to the championship, due to the boy’s packed schedule over the seven days, and having the open water championships commencing two days after the upcoming meet on the 18th and 19th of December.

Brothers Sam and Luke Higgs after competing at the 2022 Australian Open Water Championships. Picture from Warringah Aquatic SC Facebook

The brothers are also set to feature in relay events representing the club, including a couple together.

“Relays are one of the most exciting parts (of the championship). It’s important the swimmers can come together as a team” Gledhill said.

While the competition next week will be tough, and Sam, Luke and the rest of the Piranhas are expected to do their best, their focus will be on preparation for next year’s nationals.

“The focus for us will be following the process for this one” Gledhill explains. “ Results happen when the kids focus on getting their details and processes right, instead of focusing on getting that title or even a PB (personal best)”.

The championship kicks off on Saturday at Sydney Olympic Park, and for those unable to make it to the event, they can still watch it on Swimming NSW new live-streaming site here.