Gunnedah swimmer Banjo Fitzgerald is gearing up to take on the best in the country, as he is set to compete at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Victoria this weekend.
The talented 11-year-old earned a coveted spot on the NSW swimming team when he achieved a bronze medal in the 50m butterfly at the Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Championships at Sydney Olympic Park in April. (Only the top three progress to the next level).
This weekend will be the second time Banjo competes on the national stage, after he won bronze medals in the 100m butterfly and medley relay at last year’s school nationals at the Gold Coast.
Banjo has been putting in long hours in the pool to prepare for the event, which kicks off in Ballarat on Sunday.
The Gunnedah youngster will compete against the best swimmers in his age group from around Australia in the 11 years boys 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly and the 4x50m freestyle and medley relays where he will swim the butterfly leg.
It’s an extraordinary achievement to qualify for school nationals level, with Banjo beginning his journey with the local St Xavier’s school carnival in Gunnedah, then going on to Diocesan level, Polding, PSSA and finishing with School Sport Australia.
