AFTER a lengthy break from the pool - to focus on athletics committments and her HSC exams - Bowraville’s Alina Tape said she was surprised by her three medal haul at the State Age Swimming Championships in Sydney.
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The event, spread over six days, saw swimmers from across the state, aged between 13 and 18, competing.
“I definitely wasn’t as prepared this year as in previous years and I wasn’t expecting any medals,” Alina told the Guardian.
“I really just wanted to make some finals.”
Her program at the meet was a full one, with Alina taking the blocks in the 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle races, as well as the 100m and 200m butterfly.
“I was actually surprised at my results because I was competing in a 17/18 year age group and thought the older girls would have the edge.
“But I came second in 200m butterfly, third in the 400m and 800m freestyle.”
These championships were the last on Alina’s agenda before her move to the Gold Coast to study Sports Development at Griffith University.
“I may compete at some local Gold Coast meets once I am settled up there but Australian Age is my next major meet from 13-20 April in Sydney,” she said.
“I plan on joining a swimming club up there, but at this point in time I’m undecided as to which club that will be.”
But before then, its back to the track for the Hunter Track Classic, with brother Beau competing at the same event in the 800m.
“I was selected by Athletics Australia to run in the women’s 800m race,” Alina said.
“In mid February I will compete at the Queensland Juniors in Brisbane and the Australian Juniors in mid March in Sydney.
“A massive thankyou must go to my swimming coach Kim Taylor, athletic coach Glynis Nunn-Cearns and Soulitude Health in Macksville for all their help in preparing me for my events and making sure I’m in top condition to race.
“Also a special shout out to Mark Baxter for all his support and photos.”
