A RELATIVE newcomer to Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club has her sights set on competing in Italy after showing her speed in competition on the weekend.
Alison Sakurovs, 26, of Guildford West, only joined the club 12 months ago after moving house but was its best performer at the Metro South West Area Open and Age Championships at Sydney Olympic Park.
Sakurovs reached the finals and swam two personal best times in the open 50m freestyle (30.77secs) and 50m backstroke (39.30secs).
“I’ve trained a lot harder, especially in the past three months.
“I’ve been getting more serious lately,” the former Hornsby swimmer said.
“I did two PBs so I’m pretty happy with that.”
Sakurovs won three medals at a NSW masters meet recently and hopes to travel to Italy for next year’s World Masters Championships. Masters events at the championship are open to swimmers aged 25 years and older.
Sakurovs is doing it more for the experience than glory, however.
“I only race myself to see what I can achieve as an individual. I’m not concerned about places,” she said.
“I thought, while I’m young why not give it a crack and see if I can get overseas.”
Other strong performers for the Merrylands club included Brittany Johnson, who finished in the top 10 for the Open 400m Freestyle in 4:48.91. Nine-year-old Carl Sorensen offered plenty of promise after he reached the final of the 9-yeras backstroke and recorded 1:48.79.
Club Coach Peter Johnston was happy. "Usually this meet is in February so it is early to be prepared for it. We're happy with the results based on the time to prepare." he said.
Merrylands swimmer Alison Sakurovs (top) vies with Sarah Cauchi, from Revesby Workers, in the 50m Freestyle at the Metro South West Championships at Sydney Olympic Park.