Australind Swimming Club contingent heads to Sydney as part of School Sport WA team for national championships

Some of the South West’s best junior swimmers are set to make an impact on the national stage this week as they represent their State in a national championship.

Several up-and-coming athletes from the region have been selected to the School Sport WA State Swim Team competing at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre over 10 days from Wednesday.

Three swimmers from the Australind Swimming Club will take part in the championships, with the State team to be led by club coach Taarna Cam.

Cam said she was “really excited” about the upcoming contest.

“It will be my first time going away with a WA team, so I’m just excited to see the competition and how it all unfolds,” she said.

Jay Pfoeffer, 12, Tahlee Cam, 11, and Lynlee Stiffle, 10, make up the club’s contingent to the event, with Jay talking up WA’s chances against other teams.

“We’ve got a pretty good relay team so I reckon we could win a medal in that,” he said.

Lynlee is focusing on both the sporting and social aspects of the competition. “I am exited to meet new friends from other States,” she said.

All competitors have had to put in the hard yards to make the team, attending swimming practice at least four times a week with several early morning sessions.

Jay aims to make the finals of his races, while Tahlee and Lynlee will both strive for personal bests during their big stage races.

Cam said she was confident the trio will do well representing their home state.

“I think we might be pleasantly surprised by how well they are going to do,” she said.

“We’ve been training really hard.”

WA’s competitors will be hoping they are not too exhausted following the tournament, with State championship being held shortly after the nationals.