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GABRIELLE FA'AMAUSILI may only be 12, but she is already breaking records and winning medals – and she's got the 2016 Olympics in her sights. |
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A swimmer since she was six, Gabrielle is now a regular feature in regional and national meets – almost always picking up a medal or two.Last year she won 11 gold medals at the Auckland swimming champs and five gold medals at the New Zealand Junior swimming nationals. |
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Gabrielle also held her own as the youngest entrant in the 2011 New Zealand Open Championships and at the NZCT AIMS games she finished as the top Year 7 girl.But the year's highlight must have been breaking the under-12 national record for50m backstroke – completing the race in 30.58 seconds. |
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Gabrielle was recently recognised by the Samoan Sports Association with a youth scholarship, which she said she was “very excited and thankful” to receive.She took some time out from training to tell us a bit about her life as a top swimmer. |
When did you get serious about swimming?I started to get serious about swimming when I was 10 years old because I was getting better at all the strokes and enjoyed racing others. I guess you can say I'm very competitive!How often do you train?Training sessions are three mornings and six afternoons a week.How did you get so good at swimming?I just kept training and got better as I went along. It also helps when you love what you're doing!What motivates you?The fact that I will be able to go to the Olympics in the near future. My ultimate goal is making the 2016 Olympic Games.Any advice for other kids who want to get better at their sport?Keep at your sport, continue striving for higher and better goals and listen to your coach! |
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