YOUNG local swimmer Ella Matters will come up against some fierce competition this week as she competes in the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast.

Matters has come leaps and bounds in her swimming the past few years which has seen her qualify with two national times, one in 50m breaststroke and one in 100m breaststroke, earning her a spot in the championships.

Recently joining the Warrnambool Swimming Club, Matters was one of eight competitors from the club to earn a qualifying time.

Currently she is ranked 30th in Australia for her 13-year-old age group 50m breaststroke and 60th nationally in 100m breaststroke.

Her first event which has typically been her main focus is the 50m breaststroke to be held tonight while the 100m breaststroke event will take place on Thursday.