Emma Pritchard

Clarence Valley swimming sensations Jamie Plunkett and Freya Meade have both achieved outstanding results in the pool at the 2023 Country Swimming Championships, held between September 30 and October 3 in Darwin.

Despite the heat and humidity of Northern Australia, both girls worked extremely hard in the pool.

13-year-old Freya advanced to the final in every event she entered, finishing 3rd in the 200m individual medley, 3rd in the 50m backstroke where she set a new personal best, 3rd in the 200m freestyle, achieving another new personal best, 4th in the 100m butterfly, 2nd in the 50m butterfly, 2nd in the 100m freestyle, 3rd in the 100m backstroke, touching the wall with another personal best, and 3rd in the 50m freestyle.   She also won the 100m breaststroke, 50m breaststroke, and 200m breaststroke.

A member of the talented Maclean Manta Rays Swim Team, Freya trains with Richard Beresford and Jessie Clare in Yamba during the winter season, and in Maclean with Ruth Everuss during the summer season.

“She’s very good, very talented,” Ms Everuss said of Freya following the championships.

“She’s got very good technique in the water.

“She’s a natural swimmer.”

Ms Everuss confirmed Freya will join several teammates from the Maclean Manta Rays Swim Team at an upcoming swimming carnival in Casino on October 28.

“There is a lot of swimming talent in the Clarence Valley,” she said proudly.

18-year-old Jamie also made a splash in the pool, winning four gold and six silver medals during the championships.

Jamie won the 100m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m backstroke, and the 100m breaststroke finals and touched the wall in second place in the 50m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 100m butterfly, and 200m individual medley finals.

A prolific swimmer with plenty of natural ability and passion for the water, Jamie continues to build an impressive record in the pool.