SWIMMING – AN OLYMPIC EVENT OF THE BIRD WORLD

We are a competitive lot in the Blue Mountains of NSW. At a Blackheath outdoor pool, this little silvereye was training for the 20cm breaststroke event, and yes, struggling a bit. Keep that head up Mate!

Oh the relief to get to the end! And an encouraging word from the coach always helps. Basic technique seemed to be the problem.

But dedication brings its own rewards. The first heat took place a week later and look at that….. he was ahead of the bunch at the 10cm mark. Won it in style I believe.

Semis went well too, and then it was on to the ultimate challenge……the GRAND FINAL. Congratulations. Off to The Games  for you, 😨

Meanwhile Miss Blue Wren was spotted working really hard prior to the regional swimming trials. I feel a bit sorry for her to be honest, such early starts, and her coach is a terribly hard, shouty taskmaster! ‘On your mark!”

Lap after lap after lap…….excellent.

OK, now let’s work on your weaker backstroke. Don’t hit your head when you get to the end.

Oh dear, a lot of water displacement was going on there!

Mr Grey Fantail has been working with an enthusiastic pupil. Wow young Wren, so fast my camera could not cope! Just a blue smudge.

Sometimes a potential medalist just turns her head and refuses to co-operate. It’s frustrating, but what can you do?

Presenting the Thornbill relay team. A line-up of feathered talent.

A BIG FAIL….

I don’t wish to be unkind, but some birds should just, well…..forget about swimming, Repeated faceplants are simply bad for the self-esteem. This rose robin almost ended up with concussion.

Never mind, forget the Games. There’s always the Blackheath bathing beauty competition! You look so pretty, and full marks for this final bow. It’s a gold medal performance. 🥇

We have to make the most of the swimming events, because our gymnastic performances are sometimes underwhelming.

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