Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2017

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Catherine McLeod (11E)

CAPTAINS’ PERSPECTIVES ON SWIMMING

Minna Atherton (12B) pictured right above My experience in swimming is different to Kate’s in that I train eighteen hours a week for forty- eight weeks a year. I swim at a highly competitive level at events that range from local meets to international competitions. Outside of the pool, I somehow manage to fit in recovery time (including physiotherapy and massage), school work, a social life and, most importantly, sleep. Trying to fit everything in definitely requires effort. Managing my time can be challenging and I often find myself having to make difficult choices. For example, most of the time, I choose recovery over a social life and sometimes I have to balance swimming with schoolwork. I am incredibly grateful that the School is understanding and supportive of me and my pursuit of excellence in the pool as well as in the classroom. being Captain with Minna. Even though she is competing at an international level and I have stayed at a more social competitive school level, we have been able to support each other fully both as Captains and as close friends. Kate Norris (12O) pictured left above Swimming has always been my favourite sport. I grew up in the water participating in my primary school’s swimming club and swimming lessons every week and would regularly watch it on television. I came to Girls Grammar as a confident swimmer who was eager to become involved in the swimming programme but knew there were plenty of other girls faster than me, and also knew that swimming was just one of the many sports I wanted to try. Despite this, swimming at Girls Grammar became a way for me to get to know a new group of girls at the same time as participating at my favourite sport. I’ve been on the team ever since and love how much support the School gives to swimming despite what level each swimmer may be at. This is one of the reasons I have enjoyed

Eliza King (11E)

Minna Atherton (12B)

12 years medley: Nicole Choo (7B) Lauren Chudleigh (7R) Niamh Bedggood (7O) Hannah Bigby (7G)

REFERENCES Jorgensen, R. (2013). Early Years Swimming: Adding Capital to Young Australians. Brisbane: Griffith Institute of Educational Research. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from https://media.wix.com/ ugd/438ac6_ab695f7ad49f4decb7a2a3c9db453b6c.pdf. Mullen, G.J. (2016) 10 Hidden Benefits of Swimming. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/ news/10-hidden-benefits-swimming/ Thankfully the benefits of swimming aren’t simply restricted to students. Swimming is a sport that can be pursued by people of any age, and for a variety of reasons. It can be used to promote health and fitness, relaxation and a broad love of sport. This season there were six assistant swimming coaches, all of whom are past Girls Grammar swimmers. Their experience as student-athletes allows them to mentor our girls — guiding them as they look to achieve their personal goals. Swimming at Girls Grammar continues to develop balanced, principled students who strive for excellence while developing life and leadership skills.

WINTER ISSUE / 2017