NEW ZEALAND...

The New Zealand National Championshipswere held in Hamilton, New Zealand from 14 to 16th October, 2011. 

Four girls from Victoria were selected to represent Australia as members of the National Talent ID Squad. Jemma Singleton, Kallie Ryan, Melanie Hartshorne (from Golden Fish) and Prateeti Sabhlok (PLC) were chosen through the 2011 National Talent ID program. The program is aimed at developing swimmers through national training programs including yearly camps and competition experience.

"On the 12th of October 2011, twelve girls from around Australia (Perth, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Geelong) went to New Zealand following a training camp that was held in Melbourne. For many girls, this was their first international competition, and though it was stressful, was also a bit of fun (mainly when they weren't competing or being lectured by coaches). The New Zealand and New Caledonian teams were very friendly, and at the end of the competition, everyone participated in cap swapping (giving away an Australian caps for one of their caps). The competition was a great learning experience and Australia did really well too. The 13/14/15 team came first, beating the New Zealand team by quite a few marks, and some Australian soloists and duets really stood out too, getting well deserved scores. Maybe it had something to do with our Australian pride, shouting, 'Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!', constantly throughout the performances, shaking our gold and green pom poms and tattooing the Australian flag wherever we could, that we had such success. Going to New Zealand was a worthwhile experience." (Prateeti Sablhok)

Jemma competed in the 13 14 15 Solo and with her fellow Victorians, competed in 3 other events - click on the photos below to open our web albums