Prior to this month young Will had never even competed in a swimming carnival, nor does he take formal lessons.

“He’ll do anything. He’s pretty competitive,” laughed his proud mother Tanya.

Last week the Year 2 Nabiac Public School student emerged from the Manning zone carnival’s pool with his second broken record in two weeks. The zone record for eight-years 50 metres freestyle had been held since 1981, at 42 seconds 90.

But after 36-years, last Wednesday (February 22) in Taree, young Will swam 0.14 off a second faster.

It was already a substantial improvement on his first broken record from Nabiac’s carnival almost two weeks prior, when he swam the same event in 48 seconds 79, including a turn in the 25 metres pool.

This broke the school’s previous record of 51 seconds (including tumbleturn) held since 1998.

Swimming in pretty much any event he was eligible for at the school carnival, he also won his heat competing against boys in sixth grade in the open 100 metres freestyle event.

“He was really nervous,” said Tanya, referring to both carnivals.

“At zone, he was doing the whole arm shake thing and I could see his heart pumping out of his chest.”

Zone was a close race, when Will’s dive saw him around half an arm’s length behind his closest competitor for much of the race.

“Then he caught up and at about two metres to go he said he saw the end of the pool “so I just went faster, mum!” tipping the wall just in front of the next swimmer.

Playing in his pool at home on a daily basis, Will takes no formal lessons although he did do a couple of pre-carnival squad sessions with local instructor Kelly Bates in early February.

“He’s just go this power in him,” said Tanya, still elated.

Will’s sisters Bridie and Beth also competed at the zone carnival, with Beth’s relay team taking out first place.

“I’m just happy with them doing the best that they can at the moment,” said their mother.

Will’s zone efforts have qualified him to compete in the Hunter region swimming trials on Thursday March 2 at Maitland.