Andrew Nguyen with coach Gemma Herrington.
Camera IconAndrew Nguyen with coach Gemma Herrington. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Swimming: Andrew Nguyen makes mark just three months after arriving at Riverton Aquanauts

Pia van StraalenCanning Gazette

JUST three months after arriving in Australia, 14-year-old swimmer Andrew Nguyen has qualified to represent his club at the Australian National Age Swimming Championships next year.

The Riverton Aquanaut, who swam competitively in the Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minh for eight years, said swimming was one of the most important things for him to take up upon arriving in Australia.

“When I am swimming I relax and I think it is cool,” he said.

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In April next year, Andrew will be among the Aquanaut contingent to compete in Brisbane at the Australian National Age Swimming Championships after qualifying with 1.10.75 in the 100 metre breast stroke– establishing him as Australia’s fastest 14-year-old.

The hard-working youngster said the achievement would make him train for a better time.

“From now on, I will work even harder,” he said.

“I am very grateful to my family, my coaches and my fellow swimmers… and am very lucky to have their support and to be part of such a great team.”

National Age Championship puts the best young athletes in Australia in the pool to compete for the title of National Champion.

Aquanaut head coach Gemma Herrington said she was thrilled with Andrew’s result and looked forward to seeing him compete against fellow 14-year-olds.

“Andrew is currently the fastest 14-year-old in Australia for the 100m breaststroke (and) this means we will have to work very hard until the Championships in order to retain this position.”

More details about Riverton Aquanauts can be found at http://rivertonaquanauts.wixsite.com/swimming-club