Madelyn makes a splash with state award

Erin Pearson
JAN Juc teenager Madelyn McDonald has loved the water since she was a toddler but never imagined she would earn a Life Saving Victoria award.
But this week the 15-year-old won the state’s under-17 female athlete of the year title after first signing up for sport as an under-sevens nipper.
“It feels pretty good to get the award because I’ve put in a lot of effort in training and preparation,” Madelyn said.
“I was a bit nervous going up on stage to get the award but it feels really good.
“The Jan Juc surf club and my parents are pretty proud.”
Madelyn trains in the pool up to four nights a week.
Hailed as the Brownlow Medal of its sport, Life Saving Victoria’s awards for excellence recognise volunteers and athletes from across the state.
Madelyn won three individual medals at state championships in March, including first-place as champion lifesaver.
In January she was overall under-15 girls champion at a national pool lifesaving titles in Canberra. The victory earned Madelyn selection into an Australian Pool Lifesaving team, the Aussie Barras.
Madelyn said her new goal was to make the 2011 Aussie Barras Squad.
She was one of several Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula lifesavers and clubs to win awards of excellence on Saturday night.
Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club’s Matthew Burke won lifesaver of the year, while clubmate Guy Kinsey won the under-17 male athlete category.
More winners – see sport