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 in Birmingham, and yes, struggling a bit. Keep that head up!

Silvereye swimming breaststroke

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

Silvereyes after a dip
WELL DONE YOUNG FELLOW

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 Birmingham for you, Covid allowing! 😨

BLUE WITH THE COLD, BUT A TRUE CHAMPION

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!

Blue Wrens swimming training
Ready, set…..GO!

Lap after lap after lap…….excellent.

Blue Wrens, swimming coach and pupil.
Keep it up, keep it up.

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

Blue wren swimming backstroke
Style needs improvement.

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?

COME ON.. JUST ONE MORE LAP

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.

OH NO…..SPLAT!

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.. 🥇

OH YES DARLING….YOU LOOK GORGEOUS IN THAT COSTUME.

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

FOR MORE AQUATIC ANTICS AT BLACKHEATH, CLICK HERE.

3 Comments
  1. Oh what a feel good short story. Thank you!

  2. Hilarious! Hopefully no birds were harmed in the making of this post.

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