National swimming champion and St Xavier’s Primary School student Molly Ramien has been awarded a prestigious NSW sports award for her achievements in swimming. The 11-year-old was honored with a Maroon award at the inaugural NSW Catholic Primary School Sports Awards night in Sydney, which recognizes the top percentage of students who have been outstanding in their sport across all Catholic primary schools in the state.
Molly was recognized for her achievements representing St Xavier’s, the Armidale Diocese, Polding, and NSWPSSA swim teams. She won gold and a national title in the 11-year-old girls’ 100m backstroke and medley relay at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in August, and a silver medal in the 50m backstroke. This follows her success at the NSWPSSA championships in April, where she was the state champion in the 50m backstroke.
“This remarkable performance reflects Molly’s dedicated approach to her sport,” her award citation read. “Not only is she an exceptional student overall, but she is also a humble individual who is deeply committed to giving her best in all endeavors. Her dedication to her swimming training can be seen throughout her success at the various championships.
“As a representative of the Armidale Diocese, Molly is a dedicated high-achieving athlete and scholar. She serves as school House Captain, generously imparting her skills and positive attitude to all students, offering guidance and support while maintaining her own high standards in academics and sport.”
The NSWCPS awards also honoured the late Gary McSweeney with a special award named in his honour. A former St Xavier’s principal, Gary was one of the founders of Catholic school sport in Australia. He was a significant influence on Catholic school students being able to compete against government and independent schools and instrumental in mentoring generations of educators in sporting pathways. The Gary McSweeney awards were presented by his children Georgia and Jack alongside CSO Armidale Diocese Primary Sports Coordinator Heidi Hardaker to the most outstanding Catholic Primary Schools sports-person of the year for male, female, and multi-class athletes.
The guest speaker for the night was NRL Cronulla Sharks hooker, Blayke Brailey. Molly was one of only two students from the Armidale Diocese to win the prestigious award. Fellow St Xavier’s pupil and Gunnedah Swimming Club mate Alexis Whitton were also nominated for her achievements in swimming, including at school Nationals where she won three silver medals in the 12-year-old girls’ 50m freestyle and medley and freestyle relays.
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