FRESH from the Queensland State Swimming Championships with a raft of accolades, Mollie O’Callaghan, 13, is looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games trials in February.
The talented Greenbank swimmer won gold in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke and 200m freestyle events while claiming bronze in the 400m freestyle.
Springfield Waterworx Aquatic Centre coach Paul Sansby said O’Callaghan was reaping the benefits of the hard work dedicated to her form.
“Over the last 18 months she started to come into her own a bit, she is a very good competitor when it comes to racing,” he said.
“She went in there and I expected her to do well in the 100m backstroke being a national champion, she did really well and gives 100 per cent.”
O’Callaghan has qualified for three events in the Commonwealth Games trials in February.
Her training schedule averages a demanding 7-8 swimming sessions a week with her first swim often running from 5am-7am.
Coach Sansby said O’Callaghan’s underwater work provided an advantage in racing conditions as a solid middle distance swimmer.
“When you look at short course racing now you can go 15 metres underwater of the wall and her under water work is very good espeically when it comes to kicking,” he said.
“Underwater work is not as important in long course racing but in the short course it is paramount.”
Mollie’s sister, Sophie, 16, also competed in the Queensland Swimming Championships and achieved new personal best times despite narrowly missing out on medals in the 100m and 200m backstroke events.
Coach Sansby said Sophie’s passion for swimming continued to shine through.
“She has got plenty of drive, it is her who drags her sister out of bed every morning, she is a very motivated individual,” he said.
