COFFS Harbour swimmer Bella Teale has made two state finals while competing at the same event as some of Australia’s greatest swimmers.

The fifteen-year-old competed in the NSW State Open Championships in Sydney, a three-day event which featured some of Australia’s best swimmers including Olympians Ariarne Titmus, Kaylee McKeown, and Mitch Larkin.

Teale competed in five events at Sydney Olympic Park where she qualified for two B-finals in both the 100m and 200m backstroke.

Teale competed in the same 100m backstroke heat as one of the best swimmers in the world; two-time Olympic gold medallist and current world record holder Kaylee McKeown, who she also warmed up alongside.

Former coach Sarah-Jane Weir described to News Of The Area the magnitude of Teale making an open state final.

“Qualification into an open final is such an incredible achievement, being up against athletes of any age and being one of the youngest in the field is just phenomenal,” she said.

“There is an added pressure competing at an open level, against athletes who are older and more experienced but it’s also an amazing opportunity.

“Bella was the only athlete from Coffs Harbour competing at the championships and her results are a testament to her commitment, hard work and dedication.”

Teale’s former coach described what made her one of the state’s finest in her age group.

“Her passion, dedication and commitment, you won’t meet anyone with a greater work ethic,” she said.

“She works incredibly hard, and this hard work has translated into the huge improvements she has made over the last 18 months.

“She has found a love of swimming she never had, and to see her shine is just the greatest pleasure.”

 

By: Aiden BURGESS