By Tara Murray
Four Melton swimmers have shown what they can do on the national stage as they competed at the Australian national swimming trials.
The championships held last week were also a double up for World Championship selection later this year.
Manar Mahfouz, Aleesha Brownbill, Layla Mahfouz and Mitchell Davies all represented Melton at the championships.
Speaking from the event, they said they were excited for the opportunity.
“It’s amazing to have a team together performing in Adelaide because everyone can support each other and cheer each other on during the races,” they said.
“Additionally, being able to represent Melton Swimming Club at such a high level and for some being their first time is something that we will truly cherish and provides a great experience for us during our swimming careers and shows how far we have come.”
Manar Mahfouz competed at the world trials in 2023 with it being the first time the other three have competed.
They said for a small club like Melton they were proud to be at that level.
Brownbill competed in the women’s 50-metre backstroke and finished 55th out of 74 athletes finishing just outside her seeding time.
Layla Mahfouz and Manar Mahfouz competed in the 50-metre butterfly. Manar finished in 45th place, while the younger Layla finished in 59th spot.
Mitchell Davies competed in the 50-metre breaststroke. The 17-year-old finished in 48th spot, swimming nearly half a second quicker than his entry time.
“We wanted to just enjoy the experience racing at this level up against our competitors,” they said
“To swim at this level is something that we are truly grateful for, and we had the chance to do it together.”
All four swimmers were among 10 Melton swimmers who swam at the Age and Open Australian National championships, with Davies qualifying for both age and open.
While the four swimmers were in action last week, the new Melton Swimming Club season is commencing soon.
The group said there was always a rebuilding process at the club and they were always looking for new members, both junior and senior.
Swimmers start at the age of six all the way through to Masters swimming.
The club will hold its club championship this week at Melton Waves, which the swimmers encourage people to come down and have a look at the action.
Details: meltonswimmingclub.com.au/
