Name: Chloe Douglas-Byrne
Age: 16
Meet Chloe Douglas-Byrne, a 16-year-old swimmer from the Cruiz Swim Club in the Australian Capital Territory. Her dedication and prowess have made her a standout athlete in Swimming NSW’s Flipper Squad. With her sights set on the global stage and the drive to make to it happen, let's dive into the life of this talented athlete and discover what propels her to success.
Chloe's journey in the water began six years ago, fuelled by an innate love for swimming. Freestyle and butterfly strokes quickly became her forte, with freestyle emerging as her undeniable strength. She hopes being part of the Flippers Squad will help her to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a high-performing athlete, like learning how to target key muscles for improved swimming strength. She is also looking forward to skills training, skill evaluations, biomechanical testing, and forming friendships with other interstate swimmers.
Before a meet, Chloe engages in visualisation, mentally preparing herself for the challenge ahead. Chatting with friends is also a source of comfort that helps to ease her pre-race jitters and boost her mood.
Despite being an individual sport, swimming has also been a source of true camaraderie for Chloe. The Gold squad, under the guidance of Coach Laura Brindley, provides Chloe with a healthy balance of rigorous training and a community of mates who share her passion and ‘can chat about any topic’.
Drawing inspiration from swimming legends Suzie O’Neil, Michael Phelps, and Dimity Douglas, Chloe has set her sights high in pursuit of excellence. In the next 12 months, she’s aiming to build on her recent successes in the pool, including two unforgettable moments – anchoring the NSW State relay team to gold and record-breaking glory at the 2023 National Age Champs and securing her first individual medal at the 2023 Australian Short Course Champs – aspiring to an individual medal at the Australian National Age Champs and securing a coveted spot in a junior international team.
Outside the pool, she finds joy in the simple pleasures – playing with her dogs in the nearby paddock, sketching, and indulging in computer games. She is a self-confessed social butterfly, relishing time with friends and thriving on the energy of human connection. She also claims to possess a unique ability to connect with a variety of animals and alongside a flair for drawing.
Chloe Douglas-Byrne isn't just a swimmer; she's a force to be reckoned with. Her journey is one of passion, camaraderie, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, setting the stage for a future filled with triumphs in the water and beyond. Keep an eye on this name - Chloe Douglas-Byrne is one to watch over the next few years.
