Alexandra Good is making waves

Alexandra Good, a Burwood resident and Year 9 Wesley College Glen Waverley campus student, is making waves - in swimming pools as well as the Victorian open waters. Alex, now 15 years old, began swimming lessons as a baby, progressing into squad swimming when in Year 2. She started swimming in Surrey Park Swim Club’s National Squad when she was 12 years old. In a typical week, she spends about 20 hours training, plus even more when there is a weekend competition.

The main events that Alex competes in are the 400m individual medley, 400m freestyle and 200m butterfly, but Alex says that she enjoys all strokes, although breaststroke is her least favourite.

A bronze medal in the 400m individual medley at the 2012 Age Nationals is what Alex regards as her greatest achievement in the pool, so far. For inspiration, she looks to Michael Phelps for his hard work and focus, as well as AFL Brisbane Lions star Jonathon Brown, “because he is tough and never gives up!”

“My main goal at the moment is to win a gold medal at the Age Nationals in April and to be selected on an Australian team in the near future... who knows after that - I will just keep training hard and hopefully I will get the success that comes with that.”

At the recent Victorian State Swimming Championships, Alex dominated her age group, winning seven gold medals, two silver and one bronze medal, and was named the 14 year girls age group champion.

“I was very honoured to receive the age group champion award, but the most exciting part for me was swimming some great times…even at the end of the week when I was really tired!”

Alex’s success is not just limited to swimming in pools. During January, she competed in two open water swims, coming first in the 12-17 year girls’ race in the Portsea Swim Classic and an impressive third in the famous Lorne Pier to Pub event in the 12-17 year girls race.

Having represented Victoria at School Sport Australia championships for the last five years, and a state representative for the last two years at the Australian Short Course Championships held in Canberra, it’s no surprise that, in December, Alex was awarded the Herald Sun trophy from Swimming Victoria for the best result in the 14-15 year girls’ age group.