The championships were held at Chandler Aquatic Centre in Brisbane from April 9 to 13.

Hills Swimming Club member Kirstie Meertens, 15, who trains at Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre in Baulkham Hills, was competing in her third national championships and was the only club member to come home with medals.

``It was the first time I've won medals at the nationals,'' Kirstie said.

The Baulkham Hills resident secured two bronze medals one in the 200 metres backstroke (two minutes, 19.24 seconds) and the other in the 100 metres backstroke (one minute, 5.23 seconds). She swam personal best times in both races.

``I really wanted to get one medal, so getting two is great. I only made top 10 in my races last year, so I have improved,'' she said.

Kirstie, who competed at the recent Olympic trials ``for experience'', also placed in the top 10 in the 200 metres individual medley (heat) and the 100 metres freestyle final, with personal best times in both.

She is now looking forward to the All Schools Swimming Championships next month, and hopes to go on to the Pan Pacific Games in December.

Kirstie's training partner Caitlin Wall, 13, of Bella Vista, made her national debut at the Brisbane championships. She swam in the 200 metres backstroke (heat) and finished in 11th place with a personal best time of two minutes, 30.74 seconds. She also placed 12th in the five kilometre open water event.

Just nine months ago Caitlin had never competed at a state or national championship.

Since then, she has shaved 20 seconds off her personal best time in the 200 metres backstroke.

``It was so good to see I was improving,'' she said.

Other Hills swimmers at the championships included Alana Seager (Hills Swimming Club), Natalie Fegan (Castle Hill RSL bronze in the 200 metres butterfly) and Nathan Roughley (Castle Hill RSL gold in the boy's U14s 200 metres medley relay and 200 metres freestyle relay.)