It was an unforgettable moment for Abbey Harkin and Tristan Hollard.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both had just achieved lifelong Olympic dreams, qualifying for the Games via the Australian trials in Adelaide.
However, Harkin and Hollard had already crossed paths, years earlier, training out of Coughlan's Swim Centre at Warners Bay.
"We are beyond proud of these two champions," Coughlan's Swim Centre posted on social media following Wednesday night's success.
"Huge congratulations to Abbey Harkin and Tristan Hollard for qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. Both swam with us at Coughlan's for many years. What a fantastic achievement."
On top of that, Coughlan's Swim Centre was founded by Harkin's family. Her uncle Peter Coughlan was also a swimmer who went to the 1976 Olympics.
"It's my family swim centre. Peter my uncle went to the Olympics so mum's side of the family have been sending me pictures of him in his Olympic uniform from 45 years ago," Harkin said.
The 23-year-old, who was born in Newcastle and raised in Maitland before relocating to Brisbane, said "I don't think it has really sunk in yet" when she spoke to the Newcastle Herald on Thursday.
She produced a personal best time of two minutes, 23.59 seconds (2:23.59) and finished second in the women's 200 metre breaststroke decider to make her maiden Games, which start in Japan on July 23.
Harkin's mum Kim, dad Michael, brother James, sister Olivia and grandma Carole cheered her on from the stands at the South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
She also had someone else in mind.
"My granddad passed away a couple of years ago, but he was my biggest supporter and would do anything for me," Harkin said.
"Last Olympic trials [2016] I was still an age-group swimmer and he was here with us, so it brought back some nice memories and some sad memories.
"But it was really special last night, grandad would be here watching and it made me feel really good."
Hollard, who was "still riding the high" on Thursday when he spoke to the Newcastle Herald, had his Dudley-based parents Jason and Lucy on pool deck along with sister Jemima and 92-year-old grandmother.
The 24-year-old, who overcame back injuries recently and returned to the sport in 2016 following a break, said he felt a "sense of relief" in taking out the 200m backstroke showdown and stopping the clock at 1:56.44.
Hollard, who was born in Newcastle and grew up in Maitland before moving to the Gold Coast, said his all-important turn for home after the opening three laps was about "finding something" and "managing to flick the right gear".
"It just worked out exactly like we planned," he said.
Both swimmers said they had been overwhelmed by messages of support over the last 24 hours.
Swimming Australia officially announced the Tokyo team at the end of trials on Thursday night.
IN THE NEWS:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News