Holly Barratt has returned to the pool after a four-year break focused on chasing her sporting dreams.
Camera IconHolly Barratt has returned to the pool after a four-year break focused on chasing her sporting dreams. Credit: Supplied/Matthew Poon

Determined to make a splash

Stephen Miles, Midland ReporterMidland Kalamunda Reporter

Barratt had an impressive campaign in Kazan, where she made three finals ” the 50m butterfly, 4 x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay ” and posted personal best times in two events.

The 25-year-old said the experience of competing with world-class swimmers had inspired her to target the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, next July and, ultimately, the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

‘I’ve made some huge gains over the last year and I’m excited to see where I’ll be this time next year,’ she said.

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After a four-year break from swimming, Barratt made a big splash in her comeback last year.

She set four state records ” in the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle and two in the 50m backstroke ” at the 2012 Winter State Short Course Championships at Challenge Stadium.

Barratt was one of 25 Australians who competed at the University Games, which ran until July 18.

Swimming Australia high performance director Michael Scott said the team showed great potential.

‘The World University Games is so often used as a stepping stone for athletes onto other senior teams and, with such a strong team this year, it will be important for them to follow the same high standards of our other senior teams,’ he said.

Barratt described the competition at the University Games as ‘amazing’.

‘For a number of us, this was our first (national) team and we went in not knowing anyone, but we quickly made friends.’