Starplex’s James McKechnie keen to make a splash at his first Commonwealth Games

James McKechnie’s hard work is finally paying off after the Hilbank swimmer was selected to represent Australia at next month’s Commonwealth Games

SA swimmers, coach and team staff selected for the Australian Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Team (L to R) Angela Mondello, Peter Bishop, Jesse Aungles, Kyle Chalmers, James McKechnie and Travis Mahoney.

JAMES McKechnie spent much of his teenage years doing laps in the pool rather than hanging out with friends.

The Hillbank swimmer’s decision to knock back social events is paying off after being selected to represent Australia at next month’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“It’s tough being an elite athlete,” McKechnie, 22, says.

“So having friends that support you is really important.

“You’ve got friends saying ‘come out on the weekend’ and it’s like ‘nah, I can’t, I’ve got other commitments’.

“It (saying no) was definitely difficult at the time, but it’s all worth it, now.”

The Starplex swimmer will race the 50m breaststroke during his first Commonwealth Games appearance and is still in shock about finally making an Australian team.

“Until they (Swimming Australia officials) actually handed me the shirt it didn’t really sink in that I had made the team,” he says.

“I was just overwhelmed with emotions when I was told.”

McKechnie is one of four SA-based representatives in the 70-strong swimming team for the Games.

The other members of the SA quartet are Rio Olympic gold medallist Kyle Chalmers, Travis Mahoney and Jesse Aungles.

Mahoney’s selection came just over a year after moving from Victoria to Adelaide to join coach Peter Bishop at Marion Swimming Club.

“It’s good to have other SA boys around there,” McKechnie says.

McKechnie will travel to Brisbane for a week-long training camp later this month before the Games, which start on April 4.

“I don’t want to toot my own horn or anything, but I am going to give it a crack.

“I am not going to leave any questions behind, wondering ‘what if’.

“I am going to try take it to them.”

Originally published as Starplex’s James McKechnie keen to make a splash at his first Commonwealth Games