Umina under-14 Nippers take out swimming gold

Members of the under-14 Umina Nippers swim team finished their junior careers with gold medals at the recent state championships held on their home beach.

The U14 swim team consisting of Lachlan Braddish, Kai Darwin, Lachlan McLeod and Charlie Polson have been together since the under-nines and have remained close friends throughout their time in Nippers.

After winning a bronze medal in the under-10 swim team event at Kingscliff they have spent the last four years trying to replicate that success.

They have gone close a couple of times, finishing fourth and fifth in recent seasons, but in 2016 it all came together and now they have a state gold medal to add to their collection.

The foursome did enough to hold off a fast-finishing Manly and North Cronulla in what was a highly-competitive final.

"It's been really good being able to compete at home over the last couple of years, we've really enjoyed it as we're familiar with the conditions and been able to stay at home," said Lachlan McLeod.

"I'm so happy that we were finally able to get that gold medal," Kai Darwin said.

"We knew we got a medal when we looked across the line and saw there were only three of us, but we weren't sure of the colour.

"It is a great way to finish," Kai said.

"We've been together since we were nine and have become good friends so it's good to win together," said Charlie Polson.

"I think what we can be really happy about is doing it as a team," said Lachlan Braddish.

"We've stuck together and it's a great achievement," Lachlan said.

Media release, 11 Mar 2016

Donna Wishart, Surf Life Saving NSW media