The award recognises the most outstanding performance by a North West representative at the NSW Combined High Schools Swimming Championships.

After qualifying for five individual events and two relays, the Narrabri High student had a superb carnival.

She achieved top 10 finishes in three of her five events and reached the final in both the 12-years 50m and 100m freestyle, going on to win bronze in the 50m.

Tomlinson’s times leading into the carnival indicated she might be a chance to make to final but to medal was an unexpected bonus and “very exciting”.

In the process she eclipsed her personal best time twice – firstly in the heat (31.50secs) and then again in the final where she swam 30.96secs.

She has since shaved more off that time, recording 30.36secs at the recent State (club) Championships. Seeded 58^th going into the carnival, Tomlinson’s was placed 35^th overall.

Back to the CHS Championships, and Tomlinson just missed out on medalling in the 100m, touching in fifth, and finished in the top 10 in the 200m freestyle.

It was her fourth year swimming for North West at the state carnival but first time competing at the CHS level. Her efforts in the 50m also saw her qualify for the All Schools, where she was eighth.

Following her older brother into the pool, Tomlinson has been swimming competitively for two or three years, and after a brief break for Christmas will be back in the pool training at least five times a week as she chases Country Championship qualifying times.

She already has one for the 50m but is hoping to get there in the 100m as well.

A multi-talented sportswoman, Tomlinson also represented North West in cross-country and athletics, competing in the 100m, 200m, long jump and relay.