ST Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls made history last Friday night, taking out the 53rd Independent Girls Schools Sports Association (IGSSA) swimming carnival for the sixth year in a row.
The victory means the Mosman Park school now has the most swimming titles out of the eight independent girls’ schools in the association.
Iona, also in Mosman Park, finished in second place and Santa Maria in third, in what was a very competitive swim meet.
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READ NOWThe 2017 squad equalled the winning streak set by the school between 1970 and 1975.
St Hilda’s vice swimming captain Charlotte Salom said it was a great achievement for the school.
“We were so excited when it was announced,” she said.
“We all just jumped in the air, literally jumping for joy.”
Not only did St Hilda’s take out the Boans Trophy, but also a number of year group pennants including Year 9, Year 11 and Year 12.
St Hilda’s swimming captain Chloe Jones said she was proud of the girls’ efforts.
“To the girls I say congratulations,” she said.
“I feel like it doesn’t set in for a couple of days; now we’ve finally realised that yes, we did it!”
Many of St Hilda’s swimmers swam personal best times, including Chloe who broke an IGSSA record in the Year 12 second division freestyle held by a St Hilda’s swimmer from 2008.
Two days before the big race the girls heard from Paralympian and Gold medallist Katrina Porter, who spoke about how to deal with their nerves and how to believe in themselves.
Chloe said Porter’s talk was the inspiration she needed to swim confidently during the race.
“Katrina’s speech was really great in telling everyone that this race isn’t everything and that there is more to swimming,” she said.
“I loved our team spirit; the night was so amazing.
“There’s nothing else that compares to it.”