Tara Murray
After two years of lockdowns and restrictions, Elite Swimming is turning its focus on the future with a bunch of bright stars in its ranks.
Elite Swimming has run out of the Victorian University in Footscray for more than 25 years, with swimmers coming from as far as Williamstown, Altona, Sunshine, Caroline Spring and Sunbury.
Swimmers in the squads then feed into the Essendon District Aquatic, which competes in the metro west district to compete.
One of the coaches Chris Briffa said they were looking for new swimmers.
“Like most sports, swimming was hit hard during the recent COVID-19 lockdown.
“Due to pools being shut we could not train like most other sports. Swimmers can join our squads once they complete swim school.
“I also get kids from Surf Lifesaving clubs in their off season who also train with us. Some end up competing.”
The club has recently started a multi-class squad, which currently has four swimmers in it. Multi class swimming provides meaningful competition for swimmers with a disability.
While things have been tough during COVID-19, two swimmers from the Footscray squad have had successful starts to the year.
Mia Misfud won gold at the at the Victorian Age Long Course Championships in March in the 12-year-old 200 metres butterfly.
The result met the qualifying time for the Australia Age Championships. Misfud, who lives in Altona, said she had loved swimming since she was young.
“My current goal is to improve my 200 metre fly and achieve more national times on all strokes, particularly in long distance events like the 800 metres, and to start training for the 1500 metres.
“Swimming is a mentally demanding, self-motivating sport that requires dedication to early morning and late afternoon training, as well as the support of coaches and family. I love everything about swimming and would not change anything about it.”
Josh Spiteri won gold at the 2022 Victorian Metro All Junior Competition. The 15-year-old from Burnside won gold in the 50 metre backstroke, smashing his personal best by more than half a second.
He is aiming for the Australian National Championships in Adelaide later in the year and his long term goal is making the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
New members are always welcome at the squad.
Details: 9386 8070 or squads@eliteswimming.com.au.
