James Kjellgren-Lewis.
Camera IconJames Kjellgren-Lewis. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson www.communitypix.com.au d480760

Seton Catholic College student ready to swim, run and cycle for WA at School Sport Australia National Championships

Leah RobertsFremantle Gazette

TEENAGERS have the reputation for staying in bed all day but not Year 8 student James Kjellgren-Lewis.

James, a Seton Catholic College student, is up at 4.30am training to represent WA at the School Sport Australia National Championships in April.

The youngster is still fresh to the sport and only started competing seriously in triathlons two seasons ago.

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“I had always been a swimmer and I needed to find some land fitness training,” he said.

“My mum did some research and she thought that triathlons would suit me.

“We found a coach and went to training session and I loved it straight away.

“The first training session was cycling and everyone was really friendly.”

Despite loving the cycling training sessions, he said his strongest leg was still swimming.

“My favourite and easiest leg is swimming followed by running and then cycling,” he said.

“Most people train 24-7 on cycling and no one focuses on swimming so that’s why I do it.”

After competing in three or four major competitions, he qualified to compete at the School Sport national championships, which came as a shock.

“After I got over the shock I realised I just wanted to do really well,” he said.

“My family are full of sports(people); my mum played netball and dad was a swimmer.

“Most mornings I am up at 4.30am to do swimming training and then doing other training in the afternoon.

“My coaches have been so supportive but my swimming coach always shouts at me to swim faster.

“I hope in the future that I do well in the national championships and make it to the Commonwealth Games or Junior Olympics.

“I would love to travel to compete, maybe one day I’ll get to compete in the Olympic Games.”

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