LOCAL swimmer, Dominic Hoggard, has added another medal to his cabinet, claiming bronze at the School Sports Australia Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast.

The 17-year-old finished third in the 100m freestyle, swimming as a multi-class swimmer, due to him having cerebral palsy.

The Baimbridge College student said it was a good feeling to finish on the podium.

“I was the only senior multi-class swimmer to medal at the games,” Hoggard said.

“I raced in five races, the 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle.

“I ended up getting four fourths and a bronze medal and set new PBs in each of them.”

Hoggard, who struggles with motion in his ankles due to cerebral palsy, was selected in the Victorian team for last year’s event, before he got sick and was unable to compete, but enjoyed the chance to compete this time around.

“I went in there to have fun and do my best,” he said.

“This is the biggest competition for the year for me.

“I am more of a long-distance swimmer, so the 100m and 200m free and 100m butterfly are my strongest events.”

Hoggard trains with the Hamilton Olympic Swimming Club and has been working hard on his fitness.

“I have been training harder and trying some new techniques, which has helped improve my stroke rate and overall fitness,” Hoggard said.

“In about four weeks, I have the secondary school shortcourse championships, and I am going to be going for some of the Victorian records, which I am close to.”

The 17-year-old will also be glued to the television later this month when the Paralympics start in Paris, as he supports some of his peers, while also dreaming about his own Paralympic appearance.

“I know some of the people who are going, I have swam with them, so will definitely be cheering them on, but hopefully in 2028, I will be with them,” Hoggard said.

“I made the time trials, so will be definitely going for a spot in the 2028 Paralympics.”