Swimmers success at nationals

Sebastian Webster, William Bradshaw, Caitlin McDonald, Valentina Ward and Alexander Ford joined 9000 other competitors from all over Australia who achieved qualifying times.

Fifteen-year-old McDonald came 15th overall in the 100 metre breaststroke.

Seals media officer Anna-Maria Ford said that this was a marked improvement from her previous entry at the national level, coming in at 48th.

McDonald also came 20th in the 200 metres breaststroke and 17th in the 50 metres breaststroke.

"The other swimmer that is impressive is Valentina Ward, she made her national qualifying time when she was 12, she's 13 now and made her debut on the national stage," Ford said.

Ford said that Ward has only been swimming competitively for two years and with the Stroud Seals for six months, making her achievement all the more impressive.

Ward placed 54th in the 100 metres breaststroke.

Fourteen-year-old Sebastian Webster managed to come third in the 50 metres breaststroke, seventh in the 100 metres breaststroke, and 12th in the 50 metres freestyle.

Seventeen-year-old William Bradshaw came sixth in the 100 metres backstroke.

Alexander Ford came 45th in the 50 metres freestyle.

Anna-Maria Ford said that she was impressed with how the Seals performed on the national stage.

"I think it's great to see so many great results this year which has been amazing," she said.

"I'm new to the club and just to see so many kids make it, we had lots of kids make it to junior state as well and even doing well in school swimming.

"Five swimmers, that's a big team and next year we'll probably have even more. I think it's an indication of the coach Michael Abel's dedication, how much effort he puts in and how much the kids train, they're doing seven or eight sessions a week minimum. I think it's amazing to see results from that."

Ford was particularly impressed with the camaraderie among the Seals.

"The highlights was just being a part of it and cheering on everyone and seeing the kids embrace it and the camaraderie between them," she said.

"Being centre stage on the TV, they didn't really get the jitters and they just pulled together. They're just teenagers and seeing them be able to be up there was just incredible to watch.

"It was really nice seeing them up there."

Ford wanted to particularly highlight the efforts that coach Abel put into the team.

"None of it would be possible without him. He dedicated so much time to these kids out of his own time to be there for them," she said.