Burdekin swimmer Michelle Scott cleans up at Pan Pacific Masters Games

Burdekin star swimmer Michelle Scott has returned from the 2018 Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast with 10 more additions for her already full trophy cabinet.

Mrs Scott, who competed in the maximum allowable 12 events last week, walked away with six gold and four silver medals, and broke four state records- two of which were her own. She also broke four Pan Pacific Games records and created one games record.

However, the decorated athlete, who has been competing in the masters competition since 2012, was a late entrant in the 2018 games.

“I only decided probably two months before I went to Pan Pacs that I’d actually go. I was a bit unsure of whether I’d go and just kept swimming because I like it for fitness. The deadline for nominating kept getting closer, and I thought I might as well,” Mrs Scott said.

The achievements are particularly remarkable as the games experienced a record number of entrants this year, with 571 male and female swimmers competing in the pool.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor congratulated Mrs Scott, who also works at Council, on her extraordinary achievements.

“Achieving competitive success in any sport is always a tough endeavour, however to win so resoundingly across the board is extremely inspiring.

“On behalf of Burdekin Shire Council and the community, I congratulate Michelle on her accomplishments.”

Cr McLaughlin said she was pleased that Council could offer quality training facilities for swimmers in the Burdekin Shire.

“Having an Olympic sized pool is such an asset for a shire of our size and allows our swimmers to train competitively.

“Council staff and contractors worked incredibly hard over the past few months to ensure the Ayr pool only suffered minor disruptions when a major leak was detected in early September.

“They did a brilliant job, with the pool only closed for a few weeks before the September school holiday period.

“I commend them on their work, which means swimmers can now take full advantage of the facility as we head into summer.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Scott said she hasn’t yet decided whether she’ll compete in the games in two years’ time, and to ask again in August 2020.