Macey has competed on behalf of St Philomena’s School countless times in the past, but this time around competed for the Moree Amateur Swimming Club.

“A lot of children go down to [state competitions] to represent schools, and as they progress they compete at higher-level swim events,” swim coach Angela Walker said.

“To make it to NSW swimming competitions, you have to qualify with a specific time and that can be more difficult.”

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Macey headed to Sydney Olympic Park last Friday. He placed sixth in the 100-metre breaststroke event and eighth in the 200-metre breaststroke. In both races, he beat his personal best with a three-second difference.

“I’m pretty happy with the result in light of the fact that he [Macey] has only been swimming twice a week over winter. I wouldn’t call him race-ready: he hasn’t been doing that much sprint work, but more endurance,” Walker said.

Macey only joined the swimming club when he was 11-years-old. Fast forward three years, and Walker said the swimming champ has made some big strides.

“If hard work and dedication were the only factors contributing to an athlete’s success, he would succeed in all his goals.”

Self-motivation and a commitment to training are said to be Macey’s brightest qualities.

“He possesses the ability to swim breaststroke at national-level,” Walker said.

As temperatures slowly rise again and the season rolls into warmer months, Macey will return to his summer training routine.

“He swims five sessions a week and works on strength, conditioning and core at the gym. We just need to improve his aerobic capacity,” Walker said.