MITCHELL Ballard and Caitlyn Richardson are emerging swimmers at Sans Souci Leisure Centre, where Olympic swimmer Craig Stevens is the head coach.
Both teenagers are in Sans Souci Sea Devils Club and are among the talent pool Stevens is developing; Mitchell, 18, is from Kareela and Caitlyn Richardson, 19, is from Engadine.
Richardson has been accepted into a four-year scholarship at the University of Nevada in Reno.
"It's a great opportunity," Richardson said.
"I leave for the US in August and I will be studying for a bachelor of nutrition and science."
It was at the 2013 Australian Open titles by an American scout where her talents were first noticed.
The backstroker and individual medley swimmer said the program run by Craig Stevens and the coaches had helped her significantly.
"I am thankful to Craig Stevens, as he has taken me under his wing for the past five years," Richardson said.
Ballard has emulated his swimming sporting idol James Magnussen.
Magnussen, an Olympian and the reigning world 100 metres sprint champion, dubbed the "Missile", now has a new "rocket" hot on his heels in Ballard.
"He is a swimming idol of mine," Ballard said.
At the recent Combined Catholic carnival, Ballard broke a record Magnussen set for the 50 metres sprint in 2008 of 24.6 seconds — Ballard's time was 24.3.
Ballard is a student at De La Salle Catholic College, Cronulla.
He said switching to Craig Stevens as coach several years ago had been a turning point.
Ballard and another centre swimmer Gabrielle Spajic have qualified for the Pan Pacific School Games in November.
