Six Pack Preview: Day 7 Aus Age Champs

TO RECAP: Lincoln Wearing was back in action at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre last night taking his usual spot at the top of the podium.

Wearing’s dominating performance in the 16 year boys’ 1500m freestyle moved him fourth fastest behind some of the biggest names in distance swimming: Perkins. Hackett. Horton.

And what about 13-year-old Sunny Kito’s gold-medal celebration! The Cairns Stingray swimmer is BIP (Best In Pool) for sheer jubilation.

Heats start 9am AEST / Finals start 6pm AEST.

SWIMMERS’ SIX PACK

Ava Hogan, Chandler, QLD | 15yr Girls’ 400m Freestyle
Chandler’s pool of distance freestylers has been gaining momentum, especially with the likes of record-breaking Lincoln Wearing in their midst. Their stable also boasts fifteen-year-old Ava Hogan (pictured). Coached by Tsuyoshi Kimura, Hogan has already claimed the 1500m, 800m and 200m freestyle national age titles. The 400m freestyle is the final piece of the puzzle and she enters as the top seed (4:15.93).

Quinn Richards, Camberwell Grammar, VIC | 14yr Boys’ 50m Breaststroke
All eyes are on Quinn Richards as record watch continues. Earlier this meet, Richards became the first 14-year-old Australian to break 1:04 in the 100m breaststroke, clocking 1:03.65 to break Koa Stotz’s old mark (1:04.21). Now, the Camberwell Grammar athlete turns to the 50m sprint, where his 29.97 entry time places him within striking distance of another national age record held by Stotz (29.52).

Ruby Crowther, Rackley, QLD | 17yr Girls’ 100m Backstroke
Rackley’s Ruby Crowther could complete her medal set in today’s 100m backstroke. Crowther has already struck gold in the 50m and bronze in the 200m and is amongst the top fastest entrants. Standing in her way is Norwood’s 200m backstroke champion Clara Carrocci and Nunawading’s Jessie Steinman, a dual medallist this meet.

Maxwell Cunningham, Brisbane Grammar, QLD | 16yr Boys’ 50m Butterfly
Maxwell Cunningham dives in as the one to beat in the 16-year boys’ 50m butterfly. The Brisbane Grammar swimmer is not only the fastest seed but also the reigning 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle national age champion. Multi-medallists Lukas Dunn (Knox Pymble) and Angus Cran (Nudgee) will challenge Cunningham to the wall.

Kira Long, SOPAC, NSW | 17yr Girls’ 50m Freestyle
Already the 100m freestyle champion of her age group, Kira Long can complete the 50-100m double. But talent in the 17-year girls’ age group runs deep with the likes of fellow 2025 Junior Dolphins Asha Ring and Heli Childs (PLC Sydney) plus two-time silver medallist this meet Lillie McPherson (Manly) diving in.

Jackson Anderson, Highlanders, WA | 18yr Boys’ 100m Freestyle
2024 Junior Dolphin Jackson Anderson is a sprint flyer and freestyle specialist from WA who will be looking to make his mark in today’s 18-year boys’ 100m freestyle event. A proud Whadjuk Noongar man, Anderson was a 2025 AIS ‘Share the Yarn’ athlete ambassador. Also keep an eye on Kincoppal-Rose Bay’s Ben Cotroneo who is the only entrant with a seed time under the 50-second mark (49.24).