Up and coming swimming sensation, Daniel Smith is looking forward to making a spectacular splash at the 2007 Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF), in Sydney from 17-21 January.

His domination at the Australian Age Championships earlier this year brought the 14-year-old into the spotlight with a monstrous tally of eight individual gold medals, sweeping up wins in butterfly, backstroke, freestyle and the medley.

However it is the 200m freestyle and backstroke that the Queenslander is particularly focusing on.

Since the Age Championships in April this year, Smith has had the added pressure of a niggling shoulder injury however he is certain that “there are no long term effects” of the pain. For this reason Smith said he will be “stoked if I just beat my personal best times at the Youth Olympics”.

Training alongside two-time Olympic 1500 metre champion Grant Hackett fuels Smith’s drive as well as “giving [me] pointers on strength training and keeping me inspired”. In addition, Smith trains under legendary coach Denis Cotterell- a maker of champions.

Smith’s training sessions with Cotterell are an intense eight times a week for an astonishing two and a half hours, and with the Youth Olympics on the horizon, Smith is highly committed to such a strict schedule.

The AYOF is Smith’s second international event however he thinks that this one will be “sick” because it has the bonus of all the additional trimmings - particular highlights being the Opening Ceremony and living in the village with other international competitors.

“It will be a good chance to meet other athletes,” he said.

Eight swimmers including Jessicah Schipper and Travis Nederpelt came to prominence at the AYOF and went on to represent Australia at the Athens Olympics. Smith looks like another athlete who will use the AYOF as a stepping stone to greatness.

The swimming competition at the AYOF will take place at the Aquatic Centre at Sydney Olympic Park from 18-21 of January.

All events across the 16 sports are totally free for all spectators to attend with 2200 athletes and officials attending from over 20 nations. 

Nicky Park
AYOF