Travelling from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, swimmers Harry Egan and Nathaniel Nakalevu were thrilled to be part of the Fiji Aquatics Age Group Nationals, which ended on Sunday.
The young duo, aged 11 and 12-years-old respectively, represented the Marochy River Swim Club.
Egan took part in four events: the 50m backstroke, fly, and freestyle and the 100m backstroke and butterfly events.
Nakalevu on the other hand, took part in nine events: the 50m backstroke, fly and freestyle, the 100m backstroke, fly and freestyle, and the 200m backstroke, freestyle and the individual medley.
Speaking of how he felt about participating in the Age Group Nationals, Egan was enthusiastic in sharing his experience of the competition.
“I’m in grade six and it feels very professional to be an international swimmer over in Fiji,” Egan shared.
“I just feel very privileged to actually just be here and swim with other swimmers.”
He first took up the sport between seven to eight-years-old and recalled how challenging it had been initially.
“But then when I got better at it, and I got very good coaches then it started to be like a joyful sport and I definitely like winning races,” he said.
Nakalevu was excited to be a part of the competition for a second time, stating his experience of it was “very friendly”.
He added his mother introduced him to the sport as a baby at six-months-old and he took it up competitively at around eight or nine-years-old.
“It just felt natural and then taking part in competitions was fun, because we made new friends,” he recalled.
The duo both acknowledged Fiji as being a great place to visit.
Meanwhile, team manager Sarah-Jayne Nakalevu said the youngsters enjoyed their time at the meet.
“They’ve really enjoyed it, they love seeing the other swimmers and getting to know the other swimmers,” Nakalevu shared.
“Performing outside of Australia is obviously quite exciting for them, a different kind of experience and brings their fun back into it as well.”
She added their participation also meant supporting the local swimmers at the event and to give the duo a chance to challenge themselves against those swimmers.
Meanwhile, also accompanying the trio were Amanda and Rodney Egan.
The Age Group Nationals was won by the Tritons Swimming Club after two days of competition, held from June 14-15 at the Damodar City National Aquatic Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva.
