Greenbank swimmer hauls seven medals at Queensland Short Course Championships

O’Callaghan, 14, competed in seven age races and two open races at the Chandler Aquatic Centre from August 17 to 19.

Two gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal were hauled due to O’Callaghan’s strength with backstroke.

She also won gold for the 100 metre freestyle age group and silver in the 200 metre freestyle age category.

Springfield Water Worx Aquatic Centre coach Paul Sansby said O’Callaghan competed against national champions well above her age level.

“Backstroke is (O’Callaghan’s) main stoke and she won second in the open 50 metres and third in the open 100 metres,” he said.

“She did well, there was an 18-year-old member of the national team racing and also a 21-year-old.

“This is the kind of performance level we look for with kids. (O’Callaghan) is a national backstroke champion so we expect her to be on the money.”

O’Callaghan fought hard for gold in the 100 metre age freestyle event with four swimmers in reach of victory at the 15 metre mark.

“Anyone could have won,” Coach Sansby said.

Coach Sansby said O’Callaghan worked on technical issues ahead of the competition including stroke rates and underwater speed.

The National Short Course Championships are due to be held at Melbourne in October.

Coach Sansby said there was serious consideration into competing for the upcoming event.

O’Callaghan’s achievement comes off the back of a successful year after ranking sixth in Australia for 50-metre backstroke at the Commonwelath Games trials in March.