| Maribyrnong Mantas Swimming Club |
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| "life is short, some days you win, some days you learn" |
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From Article in "Moonee Valley Community News" 24th March 2009 Edition Click here for original article. |
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Star reaps rewards of specialist program 24/03/2009 7:41:00 PM |
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SUPERFISH Andrew Roberts is adamant his swimming career took a dramatic U-turn when he moved into Maribyrnong College's specialist sports program. The Avondale Heights resident is brimming with confidence after registering a seventh place in the 10-kilometre race at the Australian Open and Age Open Water Championships in Penrith, New South Wales, earlier this month. The teenage overnight star crossed the line in one hour and 56 minutes, ahead of seven-time Australian Ironman champion Ky Hurst and third in the 17-to-18 year old section. He also came fourth in his age group in the 5-kilometre race. Roberts is reaping the rewards of splitting his VCE studies over two years which allows him to dedicate maximum time to both academic and sporting pursuits. "I wasn't really going anywhere with my swimming," he admitted. "So to come to a specialist sports program has been really important." Roberts left no stone unturned in his preparation for the championships. The year 12 student has worked tirelessly under coach Georgine Luscombe and reaped the rewards. He managed a personal best time over 10 kilometres in the open water and shaved a massive five minutes off his previous PB. "I went up there not really expecting much so I was pretty stoked about it," he said. "I put in the work and did everything I needed to do. "To get such a good result like that motivates me to keep training and aim high." Roberts is hoping this is just the tip of the iceberg in his swimming career. The 17 year old wants to represent Australia in the near future and believes that goal is now within reach. "I haven't been that successful in swimming and then to have such a good meet and know you're only two minutes off going to the world championships and in a couple of years aiming to go to London. You can't explain how motivating that is," he said. |
 Star in the making: Andrew Roberts came from nowhere for a top-10 finish. Picture: Michael Copp |
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