Over the weekend, Year 9 student, Vera Zeng delivered outstanding performances at the 2024 Victorian State Age Short Course Championships in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events. 

Vera captured two gold medals and now ranks her eleventh in both the girls 100m and 200m breaststroke in Australia in her age group.  

Winning both the 100m and 200m events was unexpected for the young swimmer, who had never won gold at the state level before. “Winning felt really good… After the races, I am now ranked 11th in both the girls’ 100 and 200 breaststroke in Australia in my age group,” Vera shared.  

Despite the high level of competition, Vera’s training schedule is refreshingly balanced. “Most girls my age are swimming double, but I think it’s about finding balance and efficiency instead of just rocking up to sessions,” Vera explained. Her routine includes four swim sessions per week along with two gym sessions, focusing on maximising performance during each training session. 

Beyond the physical aspect, mental preparation plays a crucial role in Vera’s success. “Mentally, I prepare by maintaining a positive and open mindset going into each race. I focus primarily on my own performance rather than being distracted by competitors, which helps me stay calm and composed under pressure,” she said. Trusting her training and her coach, Vera highlights the importance of staying focused and confident when it comes to racing. 

Her love for swimming is driven by both the competitive nature of the sport and the personal satisfaction it brings. “When I race, I am only really racing against myself, which makes me keep on pushing my own boundaries,” she explained. 

Although qualifying for the Australian Short Course Championship in September, Vera won’t be able to compete due to a prior commitment with the Victorian Junior Chess Championships. Nonetheless, she remains optimistic, saying, “I have other opportunities in the future as I am still young.”