20/09/2026
Student Spotlight: Year 7 Student Ella Makes a Splash at Queensland Championships
We’re excited to shine our Student Spotlight on Year 7 student Ella, who achieved fantastic results at the Queensland Short Course Championships in mid-August, bringing home two medals! 👏
🥈 Silver – 200m Backstroke
🥉 Bronze – 50m Freestyle
Ella has been swimming competitively since she was seven years old. Around that time, Brisbane was announced as the host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which helped spark her excitement and ambition for the sport.
Ella said she was proud of all her races at the championships, but earning her first Queensland medal was an especially emotional moment. Sharing the podium with another swimmer she has competed against for many years – and now calls a friend – made the achievement even more special.
Her success is backed by an impressive commitment to training, with Ella completing eight swimming sessions each week, across mornings and afternoons. She also focuses on eating well, getting enough sleep and ensuring she is physically prepared to compete. Ella said one of her biggest challenges at the championships was managing the mental pressure of knowing she was seeded in the top three, with the support of her coach and swim club helping her throughout the weekend.
There’s plenty more ahead for Ella. She is preparing for the Brisbane Open Water Championships, where she will compete in the 2.5km event in hopes of qualifying for the Queensland Open Water Championships in October. She has also already qualified for the Queensland Long Course Championships in December.
Looking further ahead, Ella has set herself an exciting goal – to qualify for the 2027 National Championships for the first time.
Congratulations, Ella, on your outstanding achievements, dedication and determination. We can’t wait to see where your swimming journey takes you next! 🏊♀️👏💙
