EMERGING swimmer Josh Brien has been recognised by Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club for his achievements in the pool.
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Brien is the 2014 recipient of the Mick O’Neill Encouragement Award.
The award is presented annually to an up-and-coming Ballarat swimmer in memory of Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club past president Mick O’Neill, who died in 2001.
O’Neill was also a driving force behind the formation of Ballarat Swimming Club.
The award recognises a young swimmer who demonstrates ability and determination to succeed.
Brien, 12, is a Ballarat Gold Swimming Club member.
He specialises in backstroke and butterfly and over the past year has produced a series of personal bests and medal performances at various levels.
He competed at the Victorian age championships in December, earning two silver medals and qualifying for the 12-13 year 100m and 200m backstroke at this week’s national age championships.
He also had the distinction of breaking the 100m backstroke country record twice in one day.
Brien was a shining light at the state country championships in January as well, collecting gold medals in the 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle, and a bronze in the 100m breaststroke.
This earned him the title of best swimmer for his age group.