Jakesmakes team

By Gavin Staindl
A CRANBOURNE 11-year-old has made the state swimming team after smashing a 19-year-old record.
Jake Duggan was selected on Friday for the squad to take on swimmers from across the country in the National School Swimming Championships in August.
He is now being tipped as one of the best swimmers Victoria has ever produced.
The Berwick Fields student wiped nearly a second off the record for 11-year-old boys in the 50-metres breaststroke in April’s State School Championships.
In a time of 38.53, Jake, who trains with the Casey TigerSharks, wiped three-quarters of a second off the previous best, set nearly 20 years ago.
“I was a bit nervous before the race, because I didn’t know if I would get it (the record),” Jake said.
His latest record comes after last year when he took out the state record for 9-10 year old boys in the same event.
Along with the breaststroke, Jake will also represent Victoria in eight other events at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in Albert Park.
According to TigerSharks swim coach, Ben Hiddlestone, Jake could be the best 11-year-old swimmer in the state.
“He is one of best swimmers of his age Victoria has seen,” Hiddlestone said.
“Some of the times he is doing, and was doing as a 10-year-old, are unheard of.”
The aspiring Olympian also intends to break the national record for 12-year-olds in the 100-metres breaststroke – and judging by his confidence Jake shouldn’t have much trouble doing it.
“I’m getting a 1.23 at the moment, but my goal for next year is the record, which is 1.19,” Jake said.
“I reckon I will get it.
“I’m working hard and (swimming) sort of comes naturally to me, so I think I’ll get it.”
Despite his achievements, Jake is just happy to be swimming.
“I like swimming with my friends, and learning new things, and having a go at harder stuff,” Jake said.
“We were doing 400s the other day and I was dying (really hurting), but I still did it – so I was happy with that.
“I like trying new stuff and getting better at it,” he said.