Andrew Mewing, Eamon Sullivan, Me

signing autographs for the local kids

the local soldiers!

 

     As you know, I’ve been coaching myself since the beginning of this year. It’s been an amazing experience, far more fulfilling than I could have ever expected. Yes, it’s been very challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Over the course of these four months I have succeeded in the goals I have set at every training session, and I’m thrilled by that result! I’m learning great skills that I can apply to every aspect of my life! I absolutely love every moment of this experience.

 But enough about that, what about the FUN travel stuff?

    I had the wonderful opportunity to race in New Caledonia in the beginning of April. Qantas was kind enough to fly me and two other Australian swimmers (Andrew Mewing and Eamon Sullivan) over to Noumea to race at their sprint challenge. Several swimmers from the French World Championship Team were also there (including Malia Metalla, the Olympic silver medallist in 50 freestyle from 2004).

   Although it was a VERY long day, starting at 8:30am, ending at 8:30pm, with several races and not much resting time, we all had a wonderful time. I hope and trust the competition had the desired effect of helping motivate the local swimmers of New Caledonia. It provided us with a chance for a relaxed racing environment; certainly something we don’t get much of given most meets are for selection or to test ourselves for where we are at!

   The trip was a lot of fun, and we even had the chance to get out and do a little bit of snorkelling the day before we raced. A big thank you to Qantas and Speedo for their invitation.

 

    What's next? Australia has the first Grand Prix meet coming up on the weekend of the 19^th of May in Brisbane. I’ll be heading up there to get out and have a go at switching on my racing muscles. Afterwards I’ll head to Europe for competitions in Portugal and Croatia (a kind thank you to both competition managements committees for funding my travel and accommodation), and my 10 year high school reunion in Zurich, Switzerland! How time flies!