Growing up the daughter of an Australian representative, Holly Holmesby has always dreamt of wearing the green and gold.
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The 15-year-old is no doubt on the right path, having won the overall point score at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships in January.
Holmesby was joined at the competition by Bulli’s Zara Sharman, who also claimed two medals.
The victory was just one of a string of impressive results for Holmesby, with the Bulli Surf Lifesaving Club member also selected to captain NSW at the surf lifesaving Pathway Cup, which NSW won.
While she had hoped to perform at her best at the competitions, Holmesby said she was surprised by how well she has fared.
“It’s been great to have gone so well at all the competitions,” Holmesby said. “I was extremely happy to win the overall point score at the pool championships. I have really good coaches and a supportive team to help me.
“I was quite shocked to be named NSW captain, I wasn’t expecting it at all and there was a lot of pressure. It was the second year in a row that NSW won it, which was great.”
Holmesby’s success at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships saw her selected in the 2019 Junior Barras Squad, a development team that helps to further members’ pool rescue skills.
After such an impressive few months, the Illawarra Academy of Sport member is looking to finish the summer on a high at the upcoming state and national surf lifesaving championships.
From there she will return to the pool in a bid to defend her pool rescue national title before turning her attention to the ultimate goal, representing Australia at the 2020 Lifesaving World Championships in Riccione, Italy.
“Lifesaving runs in the family on my mum’s side. We’ve always lived near the beach and I’ve always done it. We have a big family history in the sport, my mum represented Australia.
“I’d like to medal at the surf championships and defend my pool title. Then my big goal is to represent Australia at the 2020 World Championships in Italy.”
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