Move won’t ‘Holz’ career

JOEL RITCHIE

WHILE South Coast Club Warilla-Barrack Point has been making great strides in surf lifesaving competition this season, a former product has been doing the same in Sydney.

Kiama’s Mitchell Holz, 16, made the switch to Sydney powerhouse Manly at the start of this season.

This season Mitchell finished second in the under 17s swim after the NSW Surf Premiership, fourth in the iromman standings and fourth overall in the male water competition at the Sydney Water Series, despite being the youngest athlete in those age groups.

Mitchell linked with Manly after being recruited by outgoing coach and former professional ironman Craig Riddington. He completes private fortnightly sessions with Riddington in addition to his Manly committments.

“Craig is a former world-ranked pool swimmer so his knowledge is unbelievable,” Holz said.

“He picks up the smallest thing I’m doing wrong and helps me correct it quickly.”

Holz said competing and training with the well-known Sydney club was an eye-opening experience.

Competing in Sydney has also allowed Holz to rub shoulders with athletes such as Naomi Flood, Nathan Smith and Chris Allen.

However, Holz said he missed competing with his ex-teammates from Warilla-Barrack Point.

Holz said his long-term goal was to gain entry into the Nutri-Grain Series while this year’s World Championships in Germany and the next Coolongatta Gold were short-term goals.