Emily, 11, of Launceston, not only set new state and allcomers’ records in the 50m backstroke, but also won a swag of gold medals.

“I was very surprised and very excited when I found out I had broken the records,” Emily said. “I love swimming because it is fun and I get to make new friends from around Tasmania.”

Emily’s age group _ girls’ 11 and under _ had the most entries at Launceston Aquatic Centre.

The unassuming record breaker trains five times a week with coach Andrew Goetz at the Launceston Aquatic Club. She won the 50m backstroke and butterfly and teamed up with Jess Homan, 11, Rebecca Clarke, 10, and Jasmine Irani, 11, in the freestyle relay and with Jess, Jasmine and Ashlea Harrison, 11, in the medley relay.

The Scotch Oakburn year 6 student swam the 50m backstroke in 34.26 seconds, breaking the state record set by Riverside Aquatic’s Sarah Giles of 35.27 in January 2010, and the allcomers' record set by Victoria’s Emily Bresnehan, of 35.15 in January 2012.

A number of other records also tumbled.

Will Bonney, of Riverside Aquatic, broke the 15 year boys’ 50m breaststroke record with a blistering time of 30.69, breaking Hobart Aquatic’s Alec Guerzoni’s 2011 record of 31.45.

Sophie Botterill-James (Hobart Aquatic) set a record for 14 year girls in the 50m fly in 29.12, breaking the 2003 record of Penny Sproal (South Esk). And the gun Hobart Aquatic boys’ team of James Clues, Max Chislett, and Mitchell Clifford, all 11, and Daniel Wylie, 10, broke the freestyle and medley relay allcomers’ records.

Launceston Aquatic has paid tribute to assistant coach, Trent McLaughlin following his resignation.

The popular 23-year-old has moved to Burnie to work as a high school teacher.

LAC president Kevin French said McLaughlin had made a significant contribution over four years.

“Trent  has assisted very well with the ongoing learning of skills and the appreciation of swimming for so many of our young people that it is hard to measure and fully appreciate, but needless to say his calming influence and caring nature will be sorely missed by many for a long time,” French said.

McLaughlin joined LAC under then-coach Derek Taylor when he stopped competitive swimming.

“He went on to become a wonderful assistant coach, a board member, a driving force behind our most junior squad and has given so much of his time to our club,” French added.

Swimming Tasmania has congratulated Aran Miller, Ariarne Titmus and James Curran on being nominated for the Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards in the sports category. Judging takes place on February 28 with a presentation on April 8. The 2015 under-23 triathlon world champion, Jake Birtwhistle, of Launceston, won the category last year.

Hundreds of swimmers will take part in the state age, open and 11 and under championships at the Hobart Aquatic centre from March 10 to 13.