Meet Matilda!
Our LAP it UP Champion MATILDA from Glenelg swam 1,000 laps last year. Yes, you read that right! She swam the laps at her local pool.
"Sometimes my Mum and I would go down to the pool together and share a lane,” she says. “On my last day of laps, I had the support of friends and family who cheered me on while I finished my 1,000 laps."
Matilda has always loved every moment in the water. She started lessons when she was just six months old and went right through until she was seven – when her local Swimming Club asked her to join as a junior member. She enjoys swimming because it improves her health and wellbeing. She says that being in the pool helps her relax and offers a few hours to be free from thinking and pressures inside and outside of school.
“When I’m in the water I’m just concentrating on what I’m doing in that moment.” Matilda took part in LAP it UP because she hoped that through her swimming skills, she could help raise awareness and funds for those in her community who need it the most.
“It was a rewarding challenge knowing that what I was doing was going to positively impact others in need,” she says. “My goal of 1,000 laps was achieved within the timespan and it created an interest within my family and community which drew attention towards youth mental health and suicide prevention.”
MATILDA is excited to make a splash again in 2023! She is hoping to beat her 1,000 laps this time and aims to further raise awareness. She’s also looking to motivate those around her to join in! "This year I am going to try and encourage my teammates and friends at my local Swimming Club to participate in helping to raise awareness and swim together."
