CAMDEN Haven High School Year 11 student Max Bott has been swimming since he was 10-years-old.
His mother Ellen is his biggest supporter.
“He is a fish, he finds it relaxing and very freeing to be in the pool,” she said.
“Last year he became a surf lifesaver and received an award for his efforts. I’m incredibly proud of him.”
Max trains five days a week, often travelling to Wauchope, Taree and Port Macquarie.
While he competes in backstroke and butterfly, freestyle is a clear favourite.
His hard work has landed him a place on the NSW team for the 2026 School Sport Australian Swimming Championships taking place in Melbourne in July.
He will race in the multi-class 100 metres freestyle event, after breaking the record in the 16-19 years division of the NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association championships in Sydney at the end of April.
Alongside swimming, Max has a passion for cattle showing which he participates in with Cultivate Ag – an agricultural and livestock judging initiative operating on the Mid North Coast.
It focuses on youth agricultural education, beef cattle appreciation, and meat judging.
Max has a goal of showing cattle at the Ekka, and a dream of going mustering.
Ellen and Max are fundraising to help with the cost of their trip to Melbourne and are grateful for the support they have received from local businesses and groups, including the Kendall Blues rugby league team.
Max was a ball boy for the Blues when he was younger.
A fundraiser will be held on 12 June at the Royal Hotel Kew.
By Rachael THORPE
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