MEMBERS of Burleigh Heads parish, south of Brisbane, including parish priest Fr Pat Molony, aren’t quiet when singing the praises of young swim star and local Rachel Warwick.
The faith-filled Marymount College student, who’ll you find at Mass most Saturday nights at Infant Saviour Church, began swimming at four years of age in Samford, north west of Brisbane.
“The following year I competed at the Samford swim club championships and took gold for every event for my age,” Rachel said.
“I trained five days a week and when the pool closed for winter I moved to Albany Creek swim club where I began training eight times a week and very quickly became age champion.”
Rachel’s dad Robert said his daughter’s success us due to “taking ownership” of the sport.
“It (swimming) was hers and she did everything because she wanted to, not because she was pushed by others,” he said.
“Last count” Rachel had 55 gold medals, 41 silver and 37 bronze following district, regional, state, national and international events.
Robert said Rachel’s “ownership” of her swimming begins well before she “hits the water”.
“Rachel wakes up early each morning, makes her breakfast and wakes us up to drive her to training,” he said.
“I believe she does so well because she has a real hunger to achieve and a strength of mind and character.
“I am so very proud of who she is and what she has accomplished.”
A highlight for the 15 year-old is “taking a gold and a silver” at the 2006 School National Championships in Sydney.
Training with Denis Cotterell at Miami swimming club, Rachel is preparing for the Australian Age Championships next month in Sydney.
Another dream remains for the teenager.
“I would love to go to the Olympics one day and compete for Australia,” she said.
