'She's worked really hard': Tahlia eyes new PBs in Nationals debut

And the eldest child of the family, Tahlia, will take that commitment to a whole new level today when she touches down in Adelaide for her first 2022 Australian Swimming Championships.

The 13-year-old has qualified in the 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, and 100m Freestyle competitions in her age group through her performances at state finals.

Though only her father, Aaron will travel with her, Tahlia's mother, Debbie, and her three younger brothers will be cheering her on from the family home in Gunnedah.

According to her father, Tahlia does have "some nerves" ahead of the competition, but the biggest challenge she faces is overcoming less-than-perfect preparation.

"She's not at her biggest peak in her training regime," Aaron said.

"She goes to school in Tamworth at Calrossy, but still swims with Swimming Gunnedah Inc.

"She has been doing some training with Nic [Monet] over at Tamworth City Swimming Club, but her home club is Gunnedah."

Having to split her time between schooling and living in Tamworth but training primarily in Gunnedah has meant that Tahlia has only spent roughly six hours a week in the pool. By comparison, her younger brother Jacob - also a highly talented swimmer - generally trains over three hours a day.

Regardless, Aaron said he will be proud of his daughter no matter what. Her goal is to hit a personal best, but failing that, he recognises that just reaching the championships is a superb achievement.

"If we walk away with a personal best, we'll be very proud of her," he said.

"But we'll be proud either way, whichever way she goes."

By virtue of the fact that he runs his own business, the Aztech Group, Aaron has been able to dedicate far more time to his children's sporting commitments than most parents can.

This has enabled him to drive both Tahlia and Jacob to Sydney as much as seven times in the last two months to attend competitions. Despite the multitude of hours on the road, he is more than happy to do whatever he can to help his kids achieve their dreams.

"It's definitely discussed at the dinner table between both Tahlia and Jacob about the 2032 Olympics," Aaron said.

"It's definitely in our sights and a regular discussion with the Olympics coming to Brisbane on our home turf.

"Tahlia's definitely got potential there with her swimming ... she definitely has her sights set on going into nationals with her eyes wide open."

Tahlia will swim in the 50m Freestyle tomorrow, with the 100m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly scheduled for Sunday.

Though it is not her favourite stroke, Aaron said the butterfly is Tahlia's strongest discipline and her best chance of setting a new PB.

"She's been working really hard on her [butterfly]," he said.

"I think the 50m 'fly is going to be the one we're aiming at the most, she's got a natural ability for it.

"She's nice and tall and strong, with a good stroke, so the butterfly really works well for her."

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