The four – Andrew Harris (Year 3), Sam Thompson (Year 5) and Amy Thompson and Angus Higgins (Year 6) – brought home silver medals from last Thursday’s PSSA state swimming carnival at the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre.

The young swimmers represented Sandy Hollow in the 4x50m freestyle relay against 27 other small schools from across NSW.

Their category was for schools with between 25 and 54 students. Sandy Hollow has an enrolment of 38.

School principal Christina Darlington said it was the fourth year in a row the school had qualified for the state championships.

“It is incredible for Andrew, Sam, Amy and Angus to make it to this level of competition and achieve a second place. Our school is very proud,” she said.

All of them recorded personal best times in their legs of the relay.

The team missed gold by a body length but view that as insignificant as they claim the title of fastest relay team in the Hunter in their category.

First place in the relay went to St John’s Catholic School in Trangie while the bronze medal was awarded to Mulbring Public School.

The Sandy Hollow team paid tribute to the training advice and support they received from Kim Stanford, Adam Hume and Ray Byfield.

They also thanked Muswellbrook Shire Council who allowed them free use of the indoor pool at the town’s aquatic centre to prepare for Sydney.

The Denman pool – where they would normally train – closed 10 days before the carnival.

The children also appreciated the dedication of their parents who took turns in driving them to town for training.

Andrew, Amy and Sam live in the Widden Valley so clocked up quite a few kilometres.

Next year poses a new challenge for the young relay team as Amy and Angus are off to high school, leaving two spots up for grabs.

No doubt once summer comes around and the school begins its intensive swimming program all eyes will be on likely replacements.