Becoming a national champion in one sport is a remarkable achievement for any athlete, but achieving this feat in two different disciplines before even turning 11 is extraordinary. That's exactly what Neave Borg from Caves Beach has accomplished, establishing herself as one of Australia's most promising young dual-sport talents.
Swimming Success at National Championships
The ten-year-old sporting prodigy made waves at the All Schools Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) national championships in Ballarat from October 25 to 29. Borg didn't just participate - she dominated, claiming three gold medals in the swimming competition.
Her most impressive performances came in the 10-years girls' 50-metre and 100-metre backstroke events, where she secured national titles with personal best times. Adding to her medal haul, Borg was part of the NSW team that triumphed in the 4 x 50m medley relay for her age group.
Reflecting on her victory, Borg shared the moment she realized her achievement: "When I touched the wall and I looked up on the board, I could see my name and No.1. It felt like my dreams had come true and everything I was working hard for I had achieved."
Continuing Family Legacy and Team Success
The young champion's swimming success continues a family tradition. Her uncle, Glenn Sedgman, won a bronze medal in breaststroke at the national schools swimming championships 36 years ago when he was also a year four student at Caves Beach Public School.
Borg wasn't the only local talent shining in Ballarat. Her Novocastrian Swim Club training partner, Isabel Smith, also delivered strong performances, winning silver in the 10-years girls' 50m butterfly and bronze in the 200m individual medley. The pair combined forces as part of the NSW team that secured second place in the 10-years girls 4 x 50m freestyle relay.
Balancing Multiple Sports and Future Dreams
What makes Borg's achievement particularly remarkable is that swimming isn't her only national championship sport. The year before her swimming success, she had already claimed national champion status in physical culture for her age group.
This weekend, Borg heads to Sydney to compete in the national junior finals for physical culture, where she aims to add another Australian crown to her growing collection.
The Caves Beach Public School student began swimming at age three primarily for life skills. Now she trains several times weekly with the Novocastrian Swim Club at Coughlan's Swim Centre in Warners Bay. Borg explains her passion for the sport: "I like swimming because it pushes my limits and shows my body what I can do."
Looking to the future, the ambitious young athlete has set her sights on the ultimate sporting stage - she hopes to one day compete at the Olympic Games. For now, her focus remains on balancing her dual sporting commitments while continuing to excel in both arenas.
Meanwhile, the local swimming community continues to thrive, with the region's best swimmers preparing to compete at the Coast and Valley Swimming Association long-course championships at Lambton pool this weekend.
