By JARROD POTTER
CASEY TigerSharks Bowen Gough earned his spot on the Victorian State Short Course Teams roster, swimming at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) complex over the weekend.
Gough, 14, from Bass, swam in seven events – the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, 100m and 200m butterfly and the 200m and 400m individual medley.
His best finish was in the 200m backstroke, finishing fourth in 2.04.55.
Gough’s coach Ben Hiddlestone said his results were commendable considering he wasn’t trained up for this event, following the Victorian State Short Course Championships last month.
“Bowen went alright at the state teams representing Victoria after he won a gold at the state championships,” Hiddlestone said.
“Came fourth in 200m in a second over his best time.
“State champs was his targeted meet for the season which was good for him, and this meet was a bonus.”
Gough’s win at the Australian Age Championships earlier this year earned him a select invite to the Australian Talent Identification Camp in Canberra – to hone his abilities with the long-term goal of getting 14 to 16-year-olds ready for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
“The big thing is that he’s been selected for the Australian Talent ID camp – he’s up there with a very select bunch of the best age group swimmers – 14 to16-year-old swimmers,” Hiddlestone said.
“Australian Age Championships in April – had to win an event and be in that age group bracket for Tokyo – in six to seven years’ time will be right in the sweet spot.
“He’s loving it up there, but will take a little while to settle down, different coach different way to settle.”
Casey TigerSharks hosts its club championship on Friday afternoon at Casey ARC – with events from 4pm.
