Sights set on Singapore podium

Above: From left, Ricky Betar, Lakeisha Patterson, Harley Connolly and Brenden Hall at USC Spartans on the Sunshine Coast

Four Dolphins will carry Moreton Bay’s hopes into the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore next week.

Brenden Hall, Lakeisha “Lucky” Patterson, Ricky Betar and coach Harley Connolly are in Darwin at the Australian Dolphins' training camp.

The quartet is based at USC Spartans, Sippy Downs, but Hall and Patterson grew up and started swimming in Moreton Bay, where Connolly and Betar live.

After 10 days in the NT, Hall, Patterson, Betar and Connolly will be among 25 swimmers and nine coaches flying to Singapore where the world awaits.

Bribie resident Connolly, Head Coach of the USC Paralympic Hub, believes all three are in the mix for medals from September 21-27.

“They all have a chance of finishing on the podium,” the former Lawnton and Burpengary coach said.

“The trials were 15 weeks ago, so it has been a long preparation (for Singapore), but they are excited and ready to go.

“Having said that, there is still work to do and we will have intensive sessions in Darwin.”

Brenden Hall, who grew up at Petrie and went to Pine Rivers State High School, is in the 400m freestyle S9 and 100m butterfly S9 events.

Entering his 10^th world championships, the 32-year-old already has eight gold, one silver and four bronze medals dating back to 2010.

“If I medal, I’ll be pretty happy,” the ex-Redcliffe, Lawnton and Burpengary swimmer said, “I’m doing everything I can to be ready.

“I went into the trials with no expectations. I’ve focused on finishing my physiotherapy studies and spending time with family.

“I’ve swim because I love it. I thought if I make the worlds … fine! And then surprised myself by making the (world championship) team!

“The excitement and anticipation is building. Darwin will be hard work but my family’s coming to Singapore and I’m looking forward to racing.”

Lucky learned to swim at Bribie then joined Southern Cross, Lawnton, Burpengary and USC where she's prepared for the 100m and 400m freestyle S9.

The St Columban’s College graduate says it is “a privilege” going to her sixth World Para Championships (debut 2015) from which she has three gold medals.

Now 26, Lucky says mental preparation is increasingly important “as it is a crucial element to perceiving ourselves and impacts our overall performance”.

“It has been a challenging preparation since the Paralympics a year ago and trials (in April),” she said, “I’m excited to finally put the hard work into action.

“Darwin will be our base for final prep and great to acclimatise to Singapore's temperature and environment. It also helps having a shorter overseas flight.

“That should set us up better for racing, where all the one percenters will count. Then it’s time to put in place what we’ve trained for … and have some fun.”

Morayfield’s Ricky Betar is gearing-up for his third world titles where he will be in the 200m individual medley SM14 and 100m butterfly S14.

The 200m IM - Betar's main event - is September 25 which will be his 22^nd birthday.

Betar won a bronze relay medal at the London World Championships in 2019 and hopes to medal again in Singapore.

“Preparations have been going well,” he said, “just working on a few technical things here (USC Spartans) and in Darwin.

“I’m feeling good about going to the world championships. I know what I’ll be up against.”