Following Tuesday’s zone event in Armidale, Gum Flat turned out another exemplary performance by year 6 students Chloe Taveira and Finley Butler. Taveira and Butler are also part of the small school’s first place relay team that includes Hamish Smith and Jarrod White, who are also travelling to Sydney.

Smith was pretty proud of his efforts, especially his backstroke which is his favourite stroke.

“In my 50 metre freestyle, I came second; I did a 30.30 seconds. In my (50 metre) backstroke I came first; I did 39,” Smith said.

Taveira did well in the distance, third place in the 100 metres freestyle, which has secured her place at state. She also finished fourth in the 50 metre butterfly and freestyle and fifth in the backstroke.

The Gum Flat students won’t be alone. Inverell Public School year 4 student Poppy Price has also made her mark. Price will be joined by classmate Charlie Grills from the year 3 class.

Ross Hill is sending a relay team of junior boys, Damon Murphy, Ashley Scott, Lachlan Newton and Lachlan Kerr. The crew of year 4 boys will compete in the ages eight to 10 category.

Lastly, Gilgai year 5 student Lilly Seagrott will represent her school. The 10-year-old will compete in the 50 metres freestyle, 50 metre butterfly and 200 metre individual medley. 

Gilgai teacher Michael Loy said it was rare to see children from the smaller schools reach that kind of level of achievement.

“It’s a really, really good thing for our small school and especially for our kids to be exposed to someone and actually see that these things are possible for our small school,” he said.