BEING the fastest swimmer in the Young region for your age group and one of the best in the state is a feat most of us can’t claim.
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However it’s even more remarkable that 10-year-old Duke Smith Maloney, known as DJ, achieved this while suffering from cystic fibrosis.
He’s about to head off to the NSW Speedo Sprints Series Finals in Sydney on March 8 and his mum Jodie Orr couldn’t be prouder.
“He’s my super fish,” she said.
Cystic fibrosis is a potentially debilitating genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.
However a recent check-up revealed DJ’s lung function is at a remarkable 108 per cent.
His doctors said this is likely due to his dedication to sport and resulting fitness.
He also has daily physiotherapy sessions to help keep his lungs free of mucus.
His mum said his achievements in a sport so reliant on his lungs showed his guts and determination.
“He’s doing something the doctors said he would never do,” Jodie said.
Despite the challenges DJ faces, he always remains positive.
He is determined to show people cystic fibrosis will not hold him back, and hopefully inspire other kids like him in the process.
“I’m a little bit nervous but couldn’t be happier that I made it to Sydney,” he said.
“Most kids like me don’t have this opportunity so it feels great to not be really sick and feel healthy.”
DJ saw huge improvements in his times over the past year
He knocked almost four seconds off his 50m freestyle time from early 2013 to score a personal best of 36.24.
His coach Peter Ward said he’s now just a second off NSW country qualifying times.
DJ isn’t resting on his laurels, with much bigger goals for the future.
He ultimately wants make it to the Olympics and he’s got a clear plan to get there.
“When I’m older and I get my license I want to travel to Canberra to train there,” he said.
DJ loves all sport and is an eager participant in many interschool programs.
Last year, he made it to the regional stages of cross country and in athletics to the 200m sprints.
He also plays football and rugby outside of school, and participates in interschoool basketball, netball and cricket.
DJ has continued to surprise his paediatrician Peter Cooper, the head Cystic Fibrosis doctor at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
He once said he would give his team the day off if DJ ever made it to Sydney to swim.
Jodie said that’s a promise she’s not going to let him forget.
