Nash Wilkes and Claire Van Kampen have both made good on their promises to do their best at the NSW All Schools Secondary Swimming Championships by winning their respective divisions.
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Claire claimed gold in the 17+ girls' 200m backstroke while Nash won the 17+ boys' 100m and 50m breaststroke, where he also set a new State record of 29.4 seconds.
Taking place at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Monday, May 13, the results saw both swimmers qualify for the School Sports Australia Swimming Championships in Melbourne from July 27 - 31.
For Nash, who was disappointed with his results at the Australian Age Championships in Adelaide in April, the return to form was particularly sweet.
"He learned a lot from Nationals," his father Darren said.
"He actually beat some of the kids who beat him at Nationals."
Mr Wilkes put his son's improved performance down to better preparation this time around, with Nash having come off the back of another demanding meet the week before he competed in Adelaide.
Coach Peter Sanders, who trains Nash and Claire at the Forster Aquatic Centre, agreed with the sentiment.
"There was too much going through their minds leading up to Adelaide. They didn't know where to put their focus," he said.
"I think they were well-tuned for this. The nerves were a bit more controlled."
Mr Sanders rates both Nash and Claire good chances of making the podium in Melbourne, but admits they still have some work ahead of them.
"We've got to do more pace work and pick up their pace so they can maintain it through the event," he said.
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In the meantime, he's told his young charges to take some time off to refresh - a direction Claire has embraced but Nash is having trouble with.
"We can't stop him," Mr Sanders said.
"He doesn't like to lose his fitness."
Regardless of their different approaches, both swimmers are looking forward to testing themselves against Australia's best in Melbourne.
"It's exciting for both of them," Mr Wilkes said.
"It's a pretty big deal."
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