Clementine Flanery is no stranger to success.
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Last Saturday she was a member of the Harden side who won the Cootamundra District Junior Cricket final.
On Monday she will be at the Homebush Aquatic Centre representing the Riverina at a state level in the 50m breaststroke.
Even the Easter school holidays won’t signal a break for Clem- she’ll be at a camp competing with 23 other girls for a spot in the Country NSW under 13s soccer team.
In talking to the Murrumburrah Public School Year Six student, one common theme pops up in trying to find the secret to her success: competitiveness.
There are plenty of reasons Australians love being in the water, and Clem agrees it’s great to have fun with friends.
“I love the rush to win the race,” she admits though.
On the soccer field she plays as a Centre Back. In most formations it’s the last line of defence between the striker and the goalkeeper, making it one of the more physically-demanding roles.
When asked why she likes to play there, Clem replies, “I’m strong and I don’t like to lose.”
Her mother Samantha agrees that when it comes to competition, Clem seems to have that undefinable and enviable x-factor.
“She performs when she needs to perform,” Samantha said.
“She just gathers the forces and pulls out what’s needed.”
This was the case at the regional swimming carnival in Albury, when Clem took two seconds off her personal best to qualify for state.
“It’s a really huge achievement for anyone to make it to the state level,” Murrumburrah Public School sports coordinator Phil Lindsell said.
“The school is extremely proud of her, and she should be proud of herself.”
Clem’s family are also extremely proud, including her three older sisters whom she admits she looks up to.
Like her oldest sister, Clem wants to go to university when she finishes school.
Despite her athletic prowess it’s academic pursuits that currently captivate her imagination.
“I want to get a good job and do something that helps society,” Clem said.
“Maybe become a doctor or a vet.”
Whatever she sets her sights on, Clem’s hard work and competitive streak will surely serve her well.
Harden’s Ryan Daley will also compete in Homebush next Friday March 27- full story in next week’s Express.
