Casey TigerSharks swimming coach Ben Hiddlestone and star prospect Brad York.By Marc McGowan
CASEY TigerSharks young gun Brad York swept all before him at the recent Eltham Swimming Club’s seventh annual short course state qualifying meet at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
York won gold in the 100-metre individual medley, the 100 and 200-metre butterfly, the 50 and 100-metre freestyle and the 100-metre backstroke.
“It was great, really good,” York said.
York is predominantly a butterfly and backstroke exponent, making his performance even more outstanding.
TigerSharks coach Ben Hiddlestone is very impressed with his pupil.
“I definitely have him earmarked as someone who could represent Australia,” he said.
“He took 15 seconds off his (200-metre) butterfly time last year and if he can take another 13 seconds off this year, he’ll make the Australian open final.”
York has lived in Berwick for the past three years after moving over from the United States, and has seen his swimming thrive under Hiddlestone’s tuition.
“I started taking swimming lessons when I was four years old but I’ve only really taken it seriously for the last few years,” York said.
“I’ve really improved with Ben as my coach.”
York’s training consists of 10 pool training sessions a week, and he often rises from bed at 4.30am. Most sessions last more than two hours and involve five kilometres worth of swimming.
“It’s pretty tiring but the people I train with do the same as me, so there’s a lot of team spirit,” York said.
“I go to bed early and get up early.”
York’s commitment to training is what gives Hiddlestone such high hopes for his future.
“With all the Krispy Kreme-type stores going up around the place it is rare to find a kid who would dedicate himself to training 10 times a week,” the coach said.
However York’s massive achievement in winning six gold medals at one meet is not the highlight of his career.
He lists his 19th placing in the 100-metres backstroke at this year’s Australian Age Championships as a greater highlight.
His performance has qualified him for the upcoming State Championships in Hobart, where he will be Casey’s sole representative. After that he will go on to the Victorian Age Championships, where he has high hopes.
“I’m hoping to get a medal in a few events,” he said.
York’s younger sister Katie is also a keen swimmer and had some success of her own at the Eltham meet, winning a silver and a bronze.
While Brad continues to receive good grades at school, the year 11 St Paul’s student is considering doing year 12 over two years due to his heavy schedule.
With his current rate of improvement, York can expect his heavy schedule of training to continue.
“It all comes down to the quality work you put into your training and that is reflected in your racing,” he said.
