Thompson, Hill mean business in the pool

Wellington Public School’s Isaiah Hill, and high school student Samantha Thompson broke three records between them in a promising display of upcoming talent.

Hill is the new record holder of two 11 years boys events, adding to the Junior Boys 50m Butterfly record he broke in 2017 with a time of 46.09. This record was previously set by Chris Waters in 1982 with 52.32.

On Friday Hill also claimed rights to the 11 years 50m butterfly record, knocking 4.15 seconds off James Cusack’s 2003 time of 48.10. He went on to break Adam Reinhard’s 26-year standing record in the 11 years boys 50m backstroke with a time of 46.16.

“I wanted to get it all year,” Hill said. “I trained for it and ended up getting them both, pretty happy to see my hard work pay off.” 

The young talent now plans to further improve those times and make it to Western.

Teacher, Kate Boland, said the results speak volumes for Hill who is an outstanding swimmer with huge potential.

“Wellington Public School is extremely proud of his achievements in the pool and to break long-standing records is a credit to his hard work training and his commitment to the sport,” she said.

“We wish him and all the other wonderful swimmers who made it to District the best of luck.”

Twelve-year-old Thompson also meant business as she smashed a 23-year record on Wednesday.

The Year 7 student set a new 12-13 years girls 200m freestyle record of 2:41:84, previously held by Peta Haesler with 2:42:47 since 1995.

Thompson said she had trained for a year ahead of breaking the record which adds to her 800m record at the Western Area Championship.

She will now attend the Western School Sport Association trials, and if successful will represent at the NSW Combined High Schools Championships. Teacher, Hayley Lyons, said the results prove Thompson has potential to achieve whatever goals she sets for herself.