ST Rita’s School, Victoria Point, has celebrated the exploits of student Sophie Edwards who took home three gold medals from the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Melbourne.
Sophie won the 12-year-old girls 100m backstroke with a time of 1.08.92 and added to her medal haul as a member of the successful Queensland relay teams that won gold in the 12-year-old Girls 4x50m Medley Relay and the Girls 12-year-old 4x50m Freestyle.
Sophie also competed in the 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle.
It was a just reward for a busy week of racing in Melbourne,
Sophie said she really enjoyed the experience of competing at the nationals.
‘It was a good experience, because I have never raced there before.
“I got to meet many new people."
She said a highlight of the week was winning the 100m backstroke.
“I also enjoyed being part of the relay teams as I got to share the wins with teammates,” she said.
Sophie, who was already back in training for the Queensland Short Course Championships at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, said she had to train very hard to achieve her goals.
"I am already back training eight times a week before and after school, starting at 5am in the morning and back again at 3.30am in the afternoon," she said.
St Rita’s Principal Carolyn Watson, who welcomed Sophie back at a whole school assembly, said the school was proud of her achievements, especially winning three gold medals which were well deserved.
“Sophie is a great student who commits to all areas of her schooling,” Mrs Watson said.
“Her hard work in the pool has paid off and we wish her well in her upcoming competitions.
“We are so proud of her,” she said.