She already has a State Combined High Schools (CHS) gold medal to her credit, winning in the recent championships held at Homebush. Claire clocked 1.09.56 to win the under 15 event comfortably by a second, just a shade outside the national qualifier. She's aiming to get under the time to contest the national titles next year in Brisbane.

She is also the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.

Claire, from Taree High, was unbeaten at school, zone and regional level on the way to earning a start at State. She was then the fastest qualifer for the final and said she was 'pretty confident' of securing the gold.

She then moved to State all school level for the 50m and 200m backstroke but admits to being disappointed with her eighth and nine placings.

"They were really bad,'' she said.

Claire travels from her Manning Point home five mornings a week to train with Peter Sanders at the Great Lakes Aquatic Centre. She returned to training recently after a two week break and will now concentrate on preparation for the Country and State short course events to be held in July. She's already qualified for both.

Claire started swimming competitively about five years ago.

"I kinda followed Brock,'' she said, in reference to her elder brother, also an accomplished swimmer.

But she doesn't limit herself to the pool. Claire also shows form in the surf, where she competes with Cape Hawke, as does Brock. Competing at the State championships last season in Umina Claire was fourth in the under 15 tube race, despite contesting a higher age division.

Claire's going to get serious with her swimming.

She also showed potential as a dancer, but she'll give it away at the completion of the Taree Eisteddfod to concentrate on the pool.