By JASON TURNER
WITH a swag of medals around his neck, Noble Park North swimmer Nicholas Galileos is ready to dive back into the pool and look for more success in 2013.
The 13 year old won seven medals last month at the Victorian state swimming championships — a medal haul mirroring that of his idol Michael Phelps.
His victories included his second consecutive state title in the 200-metre backstroke. He has now secured his place at the national age swimming championships in Adelaide in April.
The tally of one gold, four silver and two bronze medals exceeded his coach’s and his own expectations.
“We looked at the pre-meet times but it didn’t have me in so many medal positions,” Galileos said.
He said he knew he would go well in some events — especially the backstroke, his favourite discipline — but remained modest of his accomplishments, saying he was “just happy to beat so many of my personal best times”.
With the state swimming championships one of the largest meets in Victoria, Galileos was one of 1400 athletes competing in the six-day carnival at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Just under two years into competitive swimming, the determined youngster trains nine times a week with the Casey Tigersharks and has only one day off.
A typical day starts with a two-hour swim at 5.30 followed by breakfast in the back of his mother’s car while on the way to school. Then it’s back to the pool for an afternoon session.
The rigorous schedule does not worry Galileos, who spends his rare spare time with mates or playing soccer. “I really like the fitness, discipline and time management needed for my swimming.”
He says the support he receives from his family, coaches and teammates is invaluable.
Mother Vicki is proud to see her son “get the rewards for all the effort he puts in”. “It’s not hard to keep him focused with how dedicated he is to swimming,” Mrs Galileos said.
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