Kangaroo Flat swimmers progress to nationals

Six KFSC members were in action, with five making finals and the club's rising stars Emily Kearns and Jett Bird finishing with medals.

Kearns secured gold in the girls 15-year-old 200m backstroke (2:24.92 finals time), and silver in the girls 15-year-old 100m backstroke (1:05.90 finals time).

Kearns won gold with a margin of nearly two seconds, but in the 100m fell short of the win by just four one hundredths of a second.

"It was a pretty hard event to compete at and all my races were very close," Kearns said.

"It felt good to finish with some medals and it's improved my confidence ahead of nationals."

Bird took home bronze in the boys 15-year-old 200m backstroke (2:17.86 finals time) and another bronze in the boys 15-year-old 100m backstroke (1:02.58 finals time).

The biggest boost for Bird at the Victorian Age Championships were his results securing him a spot and joining Kearns at the 2021 Australian Swimming Championships to be held on the Gold Coast in April.

"I'm feeling great after the state championships, especially to know I've locked in a spot for nationals," Bird said.

Bird and Kearns will both compete in backstroke events at nationals and with just more than a month until the tournament, preparations are well underway.

"I am trying to train as much as possible, but also backing off the overall intensity," Bird said.

"It should be a good test and a chance to see where I stand compared to other swimmers my age from the other states."

KFSC coach Jared O'Hanlon said the athletes were constantly improving their overall ability in the water.

"Last year when Jett went to states it was all about the experience of being there, then he got to swim a final and this year took it that next step and won a medal," O'Hanlon said.

"He swam really well and a national qualifying time had been his aim for the past 12 months.

'It's a great achievement for him to get it done."

O'Hanlon was pleased with the overall progression of the swimmers, especially coming off the back of a year filled with lockdown interruptions.

"Emily did so well after winning a medal last year and taking home a second this year," O'Hanlon said.

"Cody and Nick were thrilled to be there competing in finals.

"And for Ashton and Paige it was their first time attending.

"It's been a huge step forward for the club."

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