Record breakers

It’s not the first time the year seven student has beaten one of Kate’s records. She did the same thing last year at the Gloucester Public School’s swimming carnival.

And it was for the same event: 50 metre freestyle.

Before Wednesday, February 2, Kate held six GHS swimming carnival records from when she was 12 years old in 1987 until she was senior in 1992, and not just in freestyle. She has a 50 metre butterfly record as well.

On top of all of this, Kate holds the Champion of Champions title, made in 1990 alongside her brother, Micheal who made it in 1994.

“I loved swimming,” she said.

She loved it so much she became a swimming instructor.

But she’s not worried about her name being removed from the record list, in fact she’s happy for Emily and had the opportunity to tell her in person, coming to the school on Thursday, February 8 to congratulate her.

Emily finished the 50 metre freestyle in 32.31 seconds shaving a little time off of Kate’s previous time of 32.45 seconds. 

Kate’s record was one of two Emily broke at her first high school swimming carnival in the 13 year old girls division; the second being Rebecca Roach’s time of 39.33 seconds in the 50 metre backstroke by finishing in 38.86 seconds.

“It’s lovely to see a new generation of swimmers,” Kate said. “People who love to swim.”

As for Emily, she’s taking it all in stride. She just loves to swim.

Emily has been on a roll for breaking records, as an active member of Gloucester Thunderbolts Swim Club, she has been setting records over the past few years.

In December 2016, she became the club’s fastest female swimmer in the 53 years since the club began.

Students who recorded qualifying time during the GHS swimming carnival will go onto to compete at Manning zone in Taree on February 20. GHS teacher, Adam Cameron said he believed there would be 20 to 30 students representing the school at the carnival.