Redhill School swimmer Lily achieves personal best at Platinum Mile
Despite facing illness and tricky conditions, Lily Evans from Redhill School swims to an impressive 9th place finish in her age category at the Platinum Mile.
Lily Evans, a swimmer from Redhill School, recently competed in the Platinum Mile event at Prime View, finishing 9th in her age category and 10th overall.
“I was happy with how it went,” she said. “I was more focused on my time and pacing, but overall, I was very pleased with the result.”
She said before the race, she experienced a slight setback due to illness but managed to maintain her training schedule with her coach, Aaron Jackson.
“I had a little bit of a taper in training because I was sick, but I trained six days a week, sometimes twice a day, with my coach.”
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Lily added the race brought its obstacles.
“The toughest part was swimming between the buoys because of the wind, which made me constantly adjust my course. Also, during the first lap, I got distracted by the water park and swam toward it by mistake. But I quickly realised and corrected it.”
She elaborated that staying focused during long events such as the Platinum Mile was key. “I try to keep my mind off the race by singing or doing stroke corrections between the buoys.”
The 16-year-old swimmer said discipline paid off, as she achieved her goal of finishing in under 26 minutes, clocking in at 00: 25:55 minutes. “My goal was 25 minutes, and I was pleased to achieve a time so close to that.”
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Lily credits her success to the unwavering support of her coaches, family, and friends. “I feel very grateful to represent Redhill School and our swimming team. It is great to contribute to the team’s points.”
She is looking forward to the aQuellé Midmar Mile and Regionals scheduled for March.
“Do not stop swimming just because you are not the best. Find a coach who will be honest with you, and always remember to enjoy it,” she concluded with advice for aspiring swimmers.
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