More medals for Megan

21 YEAR old Blackbutt resident Megan Newell is delighted with her success at the NSW Country Short Course Championships recently held at Homebush.

Competing in the S14 class for athletes with an intellectual disability, Megan claimed a gold in her pet event, the 50m breaststroke, her time just a whisker shy of her personal best.

Megan also bagged a silver in the 50m freestyle and a bronze in the 50m fly.

Megans outstanding results come on the back of a triple full house, 3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze from her efforts at the NSW Special Olympics State Championships staged in Woy Woy, the event doubling as a state team camp.

Megans medal hauls come on the back of years of dedication and determination.

She absolutely loves it said her father Rob.

She is rarely out of the water

6 days a week Megan rises well before the sparrows then rouses Rob and the two of them travel to Beaton Park where Megan goes through her paces under the watchful eye of her trainer and former Commonwealth Games swimmer Gary Lord.

Megan generally swims around 20km a week in training. Her sporting involvement, coupled with her job and Tafe studies keeping her super busy.

As a nine times Shellharbour Sport Star nominee, Megan has been making waves for quite sometime in the local and national sporting arena. She has previously competed at the 2004 World Championships in Hong Kong and the 2002 Championships in Korea. Megans next major event will see her heading to Queensland in October to compete in the Special Olympics National Championships.

Megans father Rob, a Vietnam veteran, is a fervent supporter of his daughters endeavours, her competitions drawing the pair to places far and wide.

We cover more miles than Burke & Wills said Rob.

While Megan travels with the team to most regional events Rob has also become actively involved in swimming, stemming from his daughters enthusiasm for the sport.

I do a fair bit of travelling in my role as an Australian swimming official, attending all kinds of events from regional to international said Rob.

Robs next event will be in Hobart officiating at the National Short Course Championship.

Its the whos who of Australian swimming - theyll all be there, Hackett, Lenton, the lot said Rob.

Megan knows a lot of them, she idolises Libby Lenton.

The two of them talk on email and catch up at events whenever they can.

Robs support of his daughter is unwavering, and involves a steadfast commitment from both of them .

I am happy to do it for as long as Megan keeps waking me up at 4.30 for a lift to the morning swim said Rob.