By CHERIE DONNELLAN
Bellbrae’s Phoebe Mitchell has earned six national swimming titles and a kiss from Olympic swimming star Geoff Huegill just in time for her 22nd birthday.
Phoebe won gold in every event she contested at a recent National Down Syndrome Down Under Championships.
The Geelong Swimming Club member won the 100-metre backstroke in world-record time while also taking out the 200m backstroke, 100m and 200m breaststroke, 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley.
Huegill presented Mitchell with some of her medals as well as a top swimmer award for her success at a World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Italy last year.
She is set to defend 11 world records from Italy when she competes in the next world championships in Mexico next year.
Mum Libby said she was unaware of Phoebe’s talent when she began swimming as a child.
“She was really quite slow but apparently her technique was quite nice,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It was just a matter of her building fitness and endurance.”
Ms Mitchell said defending the records in Mexico would cost $12,500 but Phoebe’s happiness and passion for her sport far outweighed the expense.
Phoebe was following a strict training regime, including 5.45am starts with Geelong Swimming Club coaches up to five times a week and regular gym training.
“She gets herself up every morning to train. She’s got the persistence and perseverance and she loves it,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It’s definitely helped her stand out on the world front.”
