Laurieton’s Larni Hardy swims her way to state championships

LAURIETON Public School student Larni Hardy has achieved a personal goal after swimming at the state level.

Larni took to the pool in April for the prestigious NSW Primary School Sports Association (NSWPSSA) State Swimming Championships, held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Larni secured her spot in the North Coast team for the championships after competing at the zone carnival at Kempsey, where she achieved a personal best (PB) time and a third place finish in the Junior Girls Individual Medley event.

The medley race is infamous for its challenging nature, encompassing four different stroke styles.

Swimmers dive straight into Butterfly after leaving the blocks, transition to Backstroke once hitting the wall, followed by Breaststroke and concluding with Freestyle.

Larni said competing at the state level was a long-held goal.

“I came 28th out of 37 competitors (at the state championships) but what I am really proud about is making it to state.

“Last year I really wanted to make it to state.

“I was so close but I just didn’t make it, but this year I did.”

She said she was “so proud” when she told her mum about her selection.

“This year I have been training once a week at Laurieton Pool with my coach Ann Pilkie each Thursday and I can’t wait to see what I achieve next year.”

Laurieton Public School principal Grant Timmins said the school community is “extremely proud of Larni’s fantastic swimming result”.

“She is a wonderful ambassador for our school,” he said.

By Kim AMBROSE.