THORNLANDS swimmer Sarah Beale is heading to the United States to take part in the World Junior Swimming Championships.
The 16-year-old breaststroke star won gold medals in the 100 metre breaststroke, 200 metre breaststroke and 200 metre individual medley at the Australian Age Championships in April.
This followed her fourth place result in the 200 metre breaststroke at the Australian Championships in the same month.
It is the second time Beale will compete overseas as she also raced in green and gold at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in Hawaii last year.
As one of a 30 swimmers in the Australian team, the year 12 student at Moreton Bay College was also voted in as a team leader.
Beale said she was excited to compete in the 50, 100 and 200 metre breaststroke events, the 200 metre individual medley and the 4 x 100 metre medley relay.
“To be selected to represent Australia is a great honour,” she said.
“I’m very appreciative of having been given this opportunity.
“I couldn’t have achieved this without my friends, family and coach who provide me with support and encouragement on a daily basis.”
Beale started to swim competitively when she was 11 years old with Thornlands Tornadoes.
She has since moved to Acacia Bayside Swimming Club.
Beale said she was a competitive person and enjoyed pushing herself and seeing the results.
Her biggest goal is to win a medal at the Olympic Games.
Beale leaves on August 15 for the event to be held at Indianapolis.