I’m a 14-year-old swimmer from regional North Queensland, proudly representing both North Queensland and Queensland in Representative swimming while competing for the Townsville Tourists Swim Club.

Coming from Townsville presents unique challenges in the sport of swimming. Regional athletes don’t just compete against the clock and the competition — we also battle distance, travel fatigue, outdoor training conditions, extreme weather, and the cost of getting to major swim meets held in cities like Brisbane and Melbourne.

Despite those challenges, I love the journey. I love turning up to major meets with the underdog tag, standing on the blocks at state finals beside the best of my peers, and pushing myself to improve every time I race. Following in the footsteps of some of Townsville’s great swimmers motivates me to keep working hard and represent regional Queensland proudly.

The funds raised will primarily help cover travel, accommodation, competition entry fees, and the additional costs that come with competing far from home. These opportunities allow me to continue racing at a high level, gaining experience against elite competition, and pursuing my long-term goals in swimming.

Swimming has taught me discipline, resilience, and confidence. Every early morning session, every long trip, and every challenge along the way is part of what makes the journey rewarding, and I’m excited to see how far dedication and hard work can take me.