Monique – she’s a fish in our midst

The
Catholic Weekly
Online

Sydney
30 May 2004

Obligation to build a decent Iraq: Cardinal

Chinese Community raises $40,000 for altar

Warm welcome for the ‘local’ Cardinal

Bishops join in new Sunday Mass push

Catholic teachers join in pay case strike

Moral life

Need for ‘holy lawmakers’

Pitter Patter: From one new mum to a bunch of others

‘Fair go’ for E Timor

Cardinal’s Comment: The work of a lifetime ...

Editorial: Mass commitment

Letters: Not this Jesus

Conversation: Michael Jiear, liturgical music consultant - In tune with a ministry of music

Help change a life today

Revelations in the mist

Young leaders learn the importance of teamwork

Speaking out! - Time to get tough on drugs as well

School fact file

Monique – she’s a fish in our midst

51 years after the great crusade, where have all the rosaries gone?

Joey’s rower follows in parents’ wake

Monique – she’s a fish in our midst

Students at Domremy have a passion for writing. When asked to interview a fellow student, STEPHANIE MULVANEY (a Year 9 student) accepted the challenge. This is her story…..

ALTHOUGH Domremy College Five Dock is situated about a kilometre from water, don’t be fooled into thinking that fish don’t exist at our school. Indeed they do, except these fish are of a different nature: they are the students of Domremy. These young women, all from various grades, possess phenomenal swimming abilities. Combined with intensive training, their natural gifts for swimming have provided many of them with the opportunity to swim at regional, State and even national swimming competitions.

One such “fish” is Monique van Balen, a Year 9 student who has competed in countless swimming meets, even going beyond the annual national competition. Perhaps her most prestigious swimming endeavour was participation in the Olympic Trials, held recently at Homebush Aquatic Centre. Racing in the highly competitive 100m freestyle event was both a thrilling and memorable experience.

Monique said, “I was a bit nervous but was focused on trying my best and enjoying the race.”

And enjoy the race she did. Although Monique clocked a time of 1:00:40, less than one second off her personal best time of 59.77 secs, it was certainly an honour for her to take part in such a high-level competition, alongside such distinguished athletes as Jodie Henry and Lisbeth Lenton.

Despite her success, Monique is exceptionally modest. When asked what her future swimming goals are, she immediately replied: “To keep enjoying the sport, and maybe improve on my times.”