VILLAGE PUMP
The Samford Progress Association’s free community newspaper printed continuously since 1977.
The
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“Your Community Newspaper, owned by the Samford Community and produced for the benefit of the Samford Community.” 30 SEPTEMBER, 2022 P: 0477 663 696
E: editor@villagepump.org.au NEXT DEADLINE THURSDAY 06/10/2022
SAM SHORT ENDURES TO WIN GOLD AND SILVER From Bunya to Birmingham, local swimmer Sam Short did Australia proud at the recent Commonwealth Games, with his phenomenal efforts winning gold in the 1500m Men’s Freestyle and silver in the 400m Men’s Freestyle. Aged 18 years old at the time of the Games, Sam smashed his personal best by almost 10 seconds to claim gold, at the same time signalling an Australian return to strength in the field of distance swimming. “Winning gold and silver at the Commonwealth Games was a dream come true,” Sam said. “It has been a goal of mine for years now, and to finally have achieved it means my hard work has paid off. It makes me excited for what’s to come in the future.”
Standing on the podium twice is no mean feat, and is the remarkable result of a gruelling schedule both in and out of the water. “I train 10 swim sessions a week, with two gym sessions. Each swim session is 2.5 hours long, averaging between 6-8km per session,” Sam said. “I’m a distance swimmer so I’m the first one in the pool and the last to leave. It’s an extremely taxing schedule that I’m sure only other distance swimmers can relate to.” Sam’s dedication has paid off, not just with the medals around his neck, but with his overall experience at the global event. “Being part of the Commonwealth Games was so surreal. The village, people and atmosphere was like nothing I have experienced before. It was a super special moment and I’m sure it will be a core memory of mine,” he said. Having a natural affinity with water from a young age, Sam’s power in the pool started with a desire to be a strong lifesaver in the ocean. “I’ve been swimming my entire life. My family is obsessed with the beach and loves the water. I did a lot of surf lifesaving growing up at Maroochydore Surf Lifesaving Club, which I’m still doing,” Sam said. “I’ve always been extremely competitive, so to be better at surfing I knew I had to be a good swimmer. Mum and dad put me in squad at Albany Creek Swim Club; I trained
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at Albany Creek from age 6 through to 16, mostly under Richard Sleight. I then moved to Rackley Centenary to train under Damien Jones to further progress my career.” While Sam’s hard work and dedication helped him to the podium, he is fully aware that it has taken a team of support behind the scenes for him to reach his goals. “I would love to thank my family, my sponsors Speedo and the Rackley program, my old school Prince of Peace, and all coaches I’ve had to push me to where I am today.” Tanya Hall