Sixteen-year-old Forster swimmer, Nash Wilkes has claimed gold at the NSW Short Course State Age Championships in the 200m breaststroke event.
It’s an achievement his father, Darren Wilkes, says many great swimmers from the area have tried to achieve in the past 20 years. Nash also picked up a bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke, only being touched out by 0.55 seconds.
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“He just loves swimming, it’s all he wants to do, he even walks like a duck,” Darren laughed.
“He works very hard and it’s just great to see it pay off, he couldn’t be happier.”
The event was held in the Sydney Olympic Pool at Homebush in August, a venue from which Nash has collected a trifecta of gold medals his last three trips this year.
“Nash wouldn’t be where he is today without his coaches, Pete Sanders and Adel Gregory, plus the support of his sister Jess,” Darren said.
Jess also competed at the recent event, finishing ninth in the 50m freestyle and seventh in the 100m freestyle. Another top 10 finisher from Forster was Clare Van Kampen, who finished sixth in the 200m backstroke and ninth in the 200m IM.
“Nash is now focusing on NSW Long Course State Age Championships, scheduled in Sydney in December, then onto the Australian Swimming Championships in Adelaide, next year,” Darren added.
“He will be a genuine medal contender at both of these meets in the breaststroke events, it’s a very exciting time for him.”
