Competing in the Commonwealth Games is a dream come true for Shayna Jack, 19, of Alexandra Hills.
Jack will compete in the 50m freestyle and four by 100m freestyle relay, having qualified for the team just two weeks ago.
Jack said she was hopeful of a medal, with her confidence boosted in 2017 when she competed for the first time in the senior open team in Budapest, bringing home two silver and three bronze medals, all for freestyle relays. Previously she had competed in various Junior World titles.
“I’m hopeful. It would be nice to come home with a medal,” she said.
Jack said she quit her job after making the games team so she could focus on the competition.
“I go to university part time and swim nine times a week. That’s what I do,” she said.
Jack trains at Chandler Pool under coach Simon Cusack.
“Next year, I will be working on the world championships, then the Olympics. The Olympics is a dream of mine. My optimism is that I can try and make it, but I can’t let it cloud my judgement. I have to train well, eat well and give 100 per cent every day. You never know when someone younger comes up and takes your spot,” she said.
“It’s all about how you swim on the day.”
The former Ormiston College student said she was proud to be a school champion swimmer and that the school gave her support and understanding for her to train as an elite athlete.
Two other athletes from the college will also be competing in the games. They are divers James Connor and Matthew Barnard. Both represent Australia but train overseas. Connor will compete in men’s one metre springboard and men’s 3 metre springboard S=synchronised two. Barnard will compete in men’s 10 metre platform.
