BCS swimmers sunk after State Championships cancellation

BCS staff member and swimming coach, Sharon Blinco, said the students had been looking forward to the competition in Homebush.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic which is sweeping across the country, many major sporting organisations have called off upcoming events.

Swimming competitions are among the latest victims after prime minister Scott Morrison declared all swimming pools closed last week.

Despite the swimmers' dismay, Blinco said safety took precedence over swimming competitions in such unprecedented times.

"You couldn't have it going ahead when so many other things have been cancelled," she said.

"It's not really worth it when you think how many people would be going and may get sick."

The standout swimmer for BCS at the regional carnival in Dapto, held on March 10 and 11, was Johanna (last name withheld).

The youngster set a personal best in the 50m freestyle, which was enough to guarantee her a state spot.

Along with her individual achievement, Johanna was a part of the four-person relay team which had qualified for the State Championships after the zone carnival in February.

The other members of the team are Jackson, Max, and Scarlett.

Though the students will not get the chance to test their mettle against the state's best this week, they are all young enough to have another shot in the future.

"There's always next year," Blinco said.

"Jackson's in Year 10, and he's the eldest of the four. He's still got two more years and the others are all in Year Nine so they still have time."

Further updates on the coronavirus pandemic are expected from the state and federal government and all major Australian swimming organisations as they emerge.

There are 1,918 confirmed cases of coronavirus in NSW as of March 30, nearly half of the 4,093 confirmed cases nationwide.

For further information on reducing the risk of infection and recognising symptoms of COVID-19, please visit www.health.gov.au.