Of the four swimming strokes, butterfly is often considered to be the most difficult - but not for 12-year-old Ebony Nix who recently won two medals at the state swimming carnival held at Sydney's Homebush Olympic pool.
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Ebony was a standout for the Nelson Bay Swim Club, winning silver in the 200m fly and bronze in the 100m fly events. Other top 10 placings for the Nelson Bay club included Archie Quinn (butterfly and backstroke), Magnus Gregory (backstroke), Randal Ingram (breaststroke) and Aiden Tyacke (butterfly).
Coach Tom Davis said that Ebony had excellent prospects in the pool.
"She is a natural butterfly stroker. Because of her stature she has virtually no resistance in the water, her powder weight ratio is brilliant and she has incredible flexibility due to the gym work she does," he said.
A Year 7 student at Tomaree High, Ebony has came through the Nelson Bay swim program starting in the learn-to-swim classes as a toddler. About four years ago she joined the squad and began training more frequently.
"I train about 10 hours a week," she said. "I enjoy it and I love attending carnivals and meeting new people. In the water I think about my technique and how I can make it better."
Ebony said she was a big fan of Cate and Bronte Campbell and hoped that one day she could emulate their feats.
"Butterfly is my main event but I also like the backstroke and competing in individual medley."