Forget sibling rivalry, talented sisters Sydney and Lexie Brown are making their mark in separate sporting arenas.
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From the pool to the tennis court, it’s always busy for proud mum Anne Brown, who is excited about their progress.
Lexie, 12, has been serving it up at representative level, while at the same time, Sydney, 13, is breaking into major Australian junior swimming events.
“It means they’re not constantly competing against each other, which I really like,” Brown said.
“Especially since they’re so close in age, it’s good that they’re playing different sports.”
Lexie’s father, Michael, played tennis at a professional level and was hooked from the moment she picked up a racquet as a three-year-old.
She was selected to represent NSW at the Australian schools tennis championship at Shepparton in October.
Lexie played a key role in the NSW team’s win at the tournament, breaking Queensland’s recent stranglehold on the Bruce Cup.
“Tennis has been really good for her self esteem. She really likes seeing she’s following in her dad’s footsteps and it makes her proud of her achievements.”
Sydney swims for Wests Illawarra under coach James Greathead and is preparing to head to Adelaide for next month’s Pacific School Games.
It will be her first time as a member of a NSW swimming team, however she had a taste of national competition at the Australian Age Swimming Championships in April.
“It’s her first school nationals, she’s really excited, but also a bit nervous about her preparation for the NSW state meet a couple of weeks later.” Anne said.
The two girls have also excelled in the classroom. Sydney currently attends Shellharbour Anglican College on an academic scholarship and Lexie will join her at the school next year on an academic scholarship when she commences year seven.
“We really want them to be focused on their education. They’re both bright children, so if the grades are good they have a fallback option.”