Jonty Pretorius and Amy Muldoon help lead Tasmanian swimming team

From those beginnings as a two-year-old, Pretorius joined a swimming club at nine, and then moved on to competition.

Since then, he has represented Tasmania at the Pacific Schools Games, School Games Australia, nationals, and state teams' short-course competitions.

Pretorius, who trains with South Esk Swimming Club, is captain of the Tasmanian team competing at the state teams' championships in Canberra in October.

He shares team leadership with Rebecca MacDonald, 15, of the Hobart-based HC Club, while the vice-captains are Amy Muldoon, 15, of Launceston Aquatic, and Isaac Malley, 16, of Burnie.

Pretorius, 17, is a year 11 student at Scotch Oakburn College, and juggles his sports training - five to six pool sessions a week and one or two gym sessions - alongside study, part-time work and music commitments.

"Swimming is an individual sport and events like this allow us to compete not only for ourselves but with a team," he said.

"I am most looking forward to travelling with teammates from other clubs from around the state. Over the years I have made friends from other clubs and it will be great to compete with them.

"Competing with some of Australia's most talented swimmers is also an experience I am looking forward to."

Pretorius's favourite event is 100m individual medley, for which he won gold at the Tasmanian short-course championships in Hobart in August.

While his hard work has been rewarded with fitness and state team honours, the sport offers other rewards.

"The ever-lasting friendships that I have made over my years as a swimmer have contributed to my passion for swimming," he said. "I enjoy seeing if I have made improvements in my times and if not, there is something to work towards next time."

Fellow Scotch Oakburn student Amy Muldoon's dedication to the sport began at a school carnival.

"When I was little I competed in my school swimming carnival and I found a passion for swimming," the year nine student recalled. "I didn't mind putting a little effort in to be faster. It just gives me such a thrill."

Her efforts have been rewarded with Tasmanian team selection for School Sports Australia championships in 2016 and 2018, Pacific School Games in 2017 and the state teams' event last year.

Muldoon won gold at the August state titles in her pet event, the 100m butterfly, and claimed a further five gold medals with club mates in relay events. She trains nine swim sessions a week and extra time in the gym.

"I am looking forward to competing against some of the best swimmers in the country [in Canberra] and getting to have a unique experience with some of my closest friends from all over the state," she said.

Swimming Tasmania has named a 36-strong team to compete from October 4 to 6.