24 Mar 2014
Forty three years ago 15-year-old Wendy Diggs set a record at South Dubbo High School in the 100m freestyle in a time of 1:08:10. It was 1971.
In 2014 that record was finally broken by 14-year-old Dubbo College South Campus student Olivia Watmore in a time of 1:07:11.
Until recently the two women did not know each other but now they share a special bond, brought about by their dedication to the sport of swimming.
"I really don't swim these days," Wendy said. "But when I was a kid, swimming was a big part of my life and I used to train under Frank Walkom as part of the Dubbo Amateur Swimming Club.
"It was pretty much a family affair because my sisters and brother all took part as well.
"I went to State level competition four years in a row and one year came third in the 100m freestyle and was part of a gold medal relay team.
"I find it hard to believe that my record at the school has stood the test of time and lasted for 43 years!
"It had to be broken at some stage and for my part I am really pleased that it was Olivia who broke it."
Olivia, whose favourite stroke is breaststroke, trains with her brother Thomas under the guidance of their mother Lisa, who also takes them to compete at carnivals.
"I usually swim about four or five kilometres a day and do quite a bit of strength training at home," Olivia said.
"I've been swimming since I was about nine-years-old and it is hard work but I really love it – swimming is definitely my number one sport.
"This year I am representing the school and region at the State carnival where I will compete in the 50 and 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke and two relays.
"I was really surprised when the school told me I had broken a 43-year-old record!
"But it has been great to meet Wendy and compare notes about our swimming careers!"
Photo by Steve Cowley courtesy of Dubbo Weekender.