Despite the nerves, Maiika Hegamaea set a personal best at her first national championships. Photo: Supplied.
A 10-year-old Cooktown swimmer showcased her mental and physical strength when she overcame challenging conditions at her first national competition.
Maiika Hegamaea was selected to represent Queensland in the 200 metre individual medley at the 2025 School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Ballarat from 25-29 October.
In preparation, Maiika upped the ante on her training, increasing her time in the pool from two to seven sessions a week and swimming at least 100 laps (2.5 km) each session.
Despite nerves, sickness and the cold weather, the swimmer set a personal best time of 3:12.23 and placed 13th overall in the nation, but was hard on herself when she spoke to Cape York Weekly after the race.
“My previous personal best for the 200 metre individual medley was 3:13.11 … I wasn’t happy with how much I improved despite all the extra training,” she said.
“I was very nervous leading up to the race and I think I could have done better if I wasn’t so nervous.
“I think the weather conditions and my sickness leading up to the event impacted my overall performance.”
Maiika also met former Olympic gold medallist Jessica Schipper during the trip to Victoria.
“Meeting an Olympic swimmer and the amazing swimmers my age increased my passion to train even more, and, hopefully, make the team next year,” she said.
Although the athlete was disappointed with her performance, Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club president Melissa Gunton said she and the community were proud.
Ms Gunton said it was a great experience for the young swimmer.
“She had an amazing time with the Queensland team, bonding with new teammates and visiting Sovereign Hill and learning about the gold rush,” she said.
“Thank you to the amazing sponsors who helped get Maiika to the championships – Cooktown RSL, Cook Shire Council, Endeavour Lions Club, Hinterland Aviation, Cooktown Massage and Cooktown State School.”
