SCHOOLGIRL swimmer Kayleigh Thompson has competed at State Championship level for the second year in a row.
A nine-year-old student at Tea Gardens Public School (TGPS), Kayleigh’s journey this year started with a fantastic run through the school, zone and regional swim meets, where she impressed in backstroke, the individual medley, butterfly, and freestyle races.
Her efforts in the 50metres freestyle took her, once again, to Homebush in Sydney for the State Championships.
“Kayleigh achieved a huge personal best in the heats, it was a great swim,” proud mother Lauren Thompson told NOTA.
Having reached the finals at the State event, Kayleigh finished in 8th place.
Her goal next year is to go one step further to Nationals.
“She’s been driven to make it to Nationals since she was six-years-old,” Lauren said.
“Next year, she is hoping to make it in multiple strokes and races; her favourites are backstroke and freestyle.”
Over the last year, Kayleigh has started competitively swimming with the Stroud Seals Swim Club, who operate out of Raymond Terrace.
After an encounter with former Olympian Matthew Gray at TGPS last month, Kayleigh’s sights are firmly set on making it to the international level one day.
The talented Kayleigh is also active in Nippers and with the Tea Gardens Soccer Club.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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