Two gold medals in swimming

Woy Woy Amateur Swim Club member Thomas McParlane achieved two gold medals at the State Age Championships in swimming held from August 17 to 19.

The 14-year-old student from Brisbane Water Secondary College gained first place in the 13 years 50m and 100m freestyle events.

Tom also managed to gain a silver medal in the 13 years 200m Individual Medley.

The State swimming event saw over 1000 athletes and 126 swimming clubs compete at the Olympic Park aquatic centre.

Tom qualified for six events over the three-day event including 100m breaststroke, 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly.

He is trained by head coach Ms Kim Taylor at the Peninsula Leisure Centre.

Tom's dad Paul McParlane said he was "very proud" of his son's achievements.

"Tom has worked very hard to get to where he is today," Mr McParlane said.

"He deserves all the recognition for his hard work and dedication."

Mr McParlane said Tom was approached by the NSW swimming coach at the State Age Championships.

"He definitely has the potential to continue with a successful swimming career if he wants to," Mr McParlane said.

"His family supports him in what ever he wants to do."

Tom has achieved the title of Central Coast Age Swimming Champion for the last seven years and was sponsored to attend the Australian Age Championships in April.

Clare Graham, 14 Sep 2007