Local student Meriam Nelson to compete at swimming championships

By Gabriel Garcia

Apr 5, 2023

Next Stephanie Rice?: Meriam Nelson is proving a swiming sensation and will be competing at the Australian Age Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast. Photo by Contributed

Moira and Berrigan shires may just be producing Australia’s next Stephanie Rice, with the announcement that Meriam Nelson will be competing at the Australian Age Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast between April 7 and 15.

For 13-year-old Meriam, who studies at Cobram Secondary College and trains with Stroke Work In Motion S.W.I.M. Academy at Barooga Aquatic and Recreation Centre, this will be her first national competition.

She said the fact she has qualified for a national event was a surprise to her.

“I was really surprised because I wasn’t expecting it and I was really happy and proud of myself,” she said.

The teenager took up swimming as a young child and has never looked back.

“I started swimming ever since I was a kid and I always loved the water. I just find it really enjoyable and fun,” Meriam said.

Earlier this year, Meriam competed in the Victorian Country LC Championships in Wangaratta where she beat her personal best times in the 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly and three club relay events.

Accolades: At age 13 Meriam has a sizeable collection of swimming ribbons and medals. Photo by Contributed

She also finished within the top eight at the Victorian Country All Junior Competition where she competed in multiple events including 50m butterfly, 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle.

Meriam also took first place in the Nagambie Club2Pub Open Water Swim in the female 13 to 17 years age group.

Along with competing at the Australian Age Swimming Championships, Meriam will be competing in the Victoria Secondary School State Swimming Championships at the end of April in the 50m butterfly event where she will be representing her school.

Meriam said that anyone thinking about taking up swimming should give it a go and said she had learnt a lot through her sport.

“It’s an amazing sport and I’ve learned a lot of things that will help me in life, and the training helps me with things like discipline and the community is really great,” she said.