Young stars rule the pool

By Gavin Staindl
THE Casey Tigersharks took their strong 2010 form to the Victorian Sprint Championships held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on the weekend.
Leading the Tigersharks was 12-year-old Bridget Bicsak who took out gold medals in the 50-metre backstroke and the 50-metre freestyle.
Coach Ben Hiddlestone admits she has been “flying under the radar” but that she is poised to take off as a swimmer.
“She has just increased her training sessions to eight, which is a lot for a 12-year-old.
“She is talented, fast, puts in lots of hard work and has the right attitude which equals success down the track,” Hiddlestone said.
Hiddlestone said the meet was “not a major focus meet” but it was a healthy meet for the athletes.
“I like it because it has a less intense atmosphere. The meet is for athletes’ enjoyment but still you’re still competing with the best in the state,” Hiddlestone said.
One of the competitors who continued to leave opponents in his wake was 16-year-old Josh Beaver, who was coming off solid performances at the Victorian Open Championships.
Beaver flew through the 50-metre backstroke, finishing 1.5 seconds ahead of second place, and came second in the 50-metre butterfly.
The 164cm speedster also backed up his second in the 50-metre butterfly by walking down to the other end of the pool and winning the first leg of the 16-and-under 250-metre freestyle relay.
“He is the best in Australia in his age group at backstroke. He has natural speed and natural endurance which is very rare to have both,” Hiddlestone said.
The period from January to April is the peak time of year for junior swimmers and the Tigersharks are now in preparations for the Australian Age Championships in April.