COLLEGE SWIMMER PASSES THE TORCH
Athlete supports juniors
SWIMMING: Rebecca Welke loves the American college swimming scene.
“It’s the most amazing experience of my life,” Welke said.
“I have the best friends in the world – it’s definitely worth it.”
Swimming for the University of Toledo, Welke regularly competes against some of the USA’s best swimmers.
But despite the pressures of elite competition, Welke’s focus is simple – “have fun and stay motivated”.
It’s a focus Welke hopes to pass on to young swimmers.
Home in Toowoomba until August, the former The Glennie School student is working alongside new Glennie Swimming Club coach Gary Shorter.
“The most important thing is to have fun,” Welke said.
“Once you get a little bit older and become part of the competitive side of things it puts a strain on your body and your mind.
“You don’t know if you’re going to be any good at it so it’s important to have fun and stay motivated.
“We (Welke and her squad mates) have so much fun. We race each other in practices, if one of us isn’t working hard we say ‘hey get going you’re meant to be up with me’.
“We help each other out.”
Shorter said having Welke poolside had been an invaluable experience.
“Rebecca has been fantastic,” Shorter said.
“You can’t put a value on her skills, experience and knowledge and what she has shared during her stay.
“One of the things we try to teach our swimmers is the fact it (swimming) isn’t all about medals and PB times.
“You can learn some valuable like skills from it and Rebecca has helped in that regard.”
Instead of relaxing during her “summer break”, Welke has
‘‘ IT’S THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE. REBECCA WELKE
been overseeing parts of the Glennie swim program.
“She has had a look at our strength and conditioning program, told us about how they do things in the States and taken a number of other sessions,” Shorter said.
“She has tried alongside our swimmers and been a real motivator – pushing them along and helping them out.”