To be eligible to trial for the Development Team, the selectors sent letters to all those U11, U12, U13 and U14 that medaled at Junior State Titles the previous season, and also some wild card entries.

With over 80 juniors eligible and invited, the selectors had to narrow down the field. This was done in 2 cuts – 40, then the final 24. The selectors look for 3 water people and 1 beach person for boys and girls.

We had various training sessions down the coast and at the pool, and results were taken from our performance at the current carnivals being held. It was a very nervous wait to find out who had made the team.

I am very lucky to say that I made that team for the 2^nd year running, and felt truly privileged to be representing Henley SLSC and South Australia.

The Southern States Challenge was held in Victoria, and consisted of a Pool Rescue event, First Aid paper and beach and surf events. South Australia competes against Tasmania and Victoria.

The South Australian team performed well and we came away with 2^nd place in the competition. I am pleased with my performance and had some great results. For me it is a great event as I can see where my weaknesses are and what to focus on at training.

I would like to thank all the people involved at Henley SLSC for supporting me. I would also like to say congratulations to my training partner Daniel Hogan for making the HP squad and doing SA and Henley proud.

To all those juniors out there – Hard work pays off and the selectors are always watching, so give it 100% every single time you compete.