Toowoomba Grammar swimmers ready for national championships

Qualifying is a milestone achievement on its own and now some of Toowoomba’s top swimmers are ready to take on Australia’s best. Meet some of our Australia Age Championships hopefuls here.

Ready for the Australia Age Championships are (from left) Toowoomba Grammar Swimming Club members Lachlan Parker, Emma Barram and Harry Dangerfield. Pictures: Kevin Farmer

Competing at his first Australia Age Championships, Harry Dangerfield knows he has a massive challenge ahead of him.

Fortunately the multi-class swimmer has a simple plan of attack.

Dangerfield, who has Autism, will treat the championships just like any other meet.

“I’m very excited,” Dangerfield said.

“When I race I just listen for the starter and then go as fast as I can.

“My favourite race is the 50m backstroke – hopefully I can get some PBs (personal bests) at the championships.”

After joining Toowoomba Grammar Swimming Club last year, Dangerfield has gone from strength-to-strength according to his mother Stacey.

The 13-year-old is right at home alongside his club mates and loves to compete.

“I think I get more nervous than he does,” mum Stacey said.

“Swimming has had a very positive effect on him, mentally and physically, and he loves to compete.”

Toowoomba Grammar Swimming Club national team member Harry Dangerfield.

Dangerfield is one of 18 Grammar swimmers heading to championships that run from April 7-15.

Fellow championship rookie Emma Barram is also looking forward to taking on the nation’s elite swimmers.

“I really enjoy competing, it’s fun,” Barram said.

“There’s a lot of friendly competition in our squad but it’s helpful.

“We all support each other and it (competition) helps motivate you to work hard to become a better swimmer.

“I’m a bit nervous but also excited about the championships.

“My main goal this season was to qualify (for the championships), now that I have I just want to swim the best I can and maybe make an A or B final.”

Toowoomba Grammar Swimming Club national team member Emma Barram.

Lachlan Parker, 14 is no stranger to competing at a high level – having raced at the national school championships in the past.

With Grammar Swim Club head coach Jason Cooper stressing the importance of swimmers focusing on their performances, Parker is determined to simply do the best he can.

“I approach every race the same,” Parker said.

“This is my first time competing at this level.

“Hopefully I can get a few PBs and just swim as fast as I can.”

Toowoomba Grammar Swimming Club national team member Lachlan Parker.