Personal Journey and Adventures of Nina

Normally beside the pool, I decided that with James Magnussen, Andrew Abood and Matt Abood among other fine swimmers in such a short and close race, there was no chance of catching an action shot in the water so I decided to rest this one out taking a seat on the dias directly behind to watch. What caught my attention was the incredible focus of the swimmers...so I shot it. Here is the story. Planning the swim. When I watch younger swimmers behind the blocks. They fuss with their goggles, their caps, their suits and every other distraction you can imagine. No such agitations  for these professionals. You can see in their expressions, staring down the length of the pool, that they are running the race through in their heads...such focus! Matt Lane 3, James Lane 4, Andrew Lane 5 Bet you are wondering what happened next? James and Matt tied for second with 22.56 and Andrew made State Open Champion with an awesome 22.38. You can see more highlights from the State

Kenneth To Kenneth To Normally racing around the pool getting portraits of little swimmers, this time I had a little more time to photograph the big guys! A good practice run for the Open Champs which begin March 15th this year, where we expect 80% of The Australian Olympic Team . One such big guy was  Kenneth To . An amazing IM racer, who has many swimming accolades and achievements in addition to famously finishing right behind the legendary Ryan Lochte at the FINA World Championships in 2010. Matt Abood I am also a big fan of Australian and Commonwealth record holder and all around nice guy, Matt Abood.  My son commented that he is also "very funny", as he was photographed here by him receiving his award for the 50m Freestyle along with his other Sydney University Team Mates. There were also loads of aspiring "little swimmers" in top form. Making PB's and breaking records. Witnessing the kids having fun and the sportsmanship d

Matthew Abood....Intense Focus SMNE (Sydney Metro North East) hosted it's popular Summer Sprint Qualifying Meet, this past weekend. A District meet attended by 9 year olds upwards who are here with the hope of making some personal best times and to get in some race practice before the upcoming school swim carnivals.  To the delight of these swimmers and spectators, also here to race were Olympians and Australian Champions, Eamon Sullivan, Geoff Huegill, Matt Abood & Andrew Abood.  The focus and preparation was intense. You can see Matt running the race through his head stroke by stroke. I had briefly met Matt at Lane Cove Swim Club' s recent 50th birthday celebrations. He is a kind and gracious man taking time out in between races to sign the T-shirts of all the awestruck kids. Eamon Sullivan getting ready to race. The crowd gathers to watch the 100m Free Andrew Abood Abood Brothers before the 50m Free Geoff Huegill preparing for the 50m