Swimmers strike gold with Leisel at Geelong pool

Jessica Benton
THE POOL water was glistening at Geelong Swimming Club on Wednesday for the visit of Australian Olympic gold medallist swimmer Leisel Jones.
Club members stood poolside waiting patiently for the 100-metre breaststroke champion to sign swimmers, caps and posters.
Jones was in town to mentor young swimming stars about the attributes needed to succeed at national and international levels.
“I wasn’t too much older than you guys when I made my first Olympic team at 14,” Jones told the swimmers.
“All of you guys here can be the world’s best – its just about hard work and determination.
“You’ve got to push yourselves beyond limits most people wouldn’t.”
Club president Mark Kershaw said the younger members were especially excited to meet and greet the pool star.
“Leisel gave them an insight into what they need to do to go from being a local swimmer to state or international level,” he said.
“She’s a current swimming idol and to get to see one in the flesh is pretty rare.
“Being a role model for young swimmers, if she can cause some learning it would be fantastic.”
Twelve-year-old swimmer Eliza Saunders said Jones was her “biggest swimming idol. Eliza hoped to gain inspiration from meeting the sports star.
Jones visited the Kardinia Park club after member Sharron Dickman won a magazine competition.