Sam has a lion’s heart

THE Haileybury Waterlions have a new star.
Fourteen-year-old sensation Sam Wilkins stamped herself as a name to watch with nine individual medals, including five gold and four silver, at last week’s Victorian Age Championships.
And she did it all with a respiratory virus and stomach illness.
Waterlions coach Wayne Lawes has had a number of successful athletes over the years, including Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kelly Stubbins and distance freestyle star Hayley Reddaway.
But Lawes says Wilkins, who used to compete in basketball and surf lifesaving, has the potential to be just as good as the esteemed duo.
The respected mentor even uses the words ‘gifted’, ‘exciting’ and ‘special’ to describe his teenage protégé.
“She’s a very humble girl. She’s only doing six sessions a week because we’re looking at her with a long-term view,” he said. “To be able to swim the way she did being extremely sick was quite amazing … it was what we call a lionheart swim.”
And while Lawes cannot produce enough superlatives to sum up his charge, Wilkins – refreshingly – remains blissfully unaware of how good she really is.
The Haileybury College student moved to the Waterlions from South Gippsland Bass Swimming Club 18 months ago to pursue her dreams.
“I just want to continue enjoying swimming and wherever it gets me, it gets me,” she said. “Making new friends is the main thing – I’ve met so many people – and I enjoy the fitness side of it.”
Wilkins has already tasted success at national level this season when she competed for Victoria at last month’s Pacific School Games.
The Aspendale Gardens resident won four individual medals – two silver and two bronze – as well as bronze in the 4 x 50m relay.
Wilkins is aiming for similar success at the Age Nationals after making an impressive debut at the competition last year.
But she has no intention of curbing her penchant for competing in as many events as possible – evidenced by her 30 swims at last week’s meet.
“I like doing lots of events – if you only do one it’s boring,” Wilkins said.
And despite Wilkins’ promise, Lawes is in no hurry to fast-track her into the Australian squad.
“If she’s going to represent her country, it’s going to be when she’s 18 and we want to keep her in there until she’s 22, 23 or 24, like Kelly,” he said. “It’s not just about making an Australian team; it’s about what you’re doing internationally.”