A young Lunenburg athlete is making waves — and soaring through the air — with standout performances in both gymnastics and swimming.
Seven-year-old Liam Duggan has qualified for the Nova Scotia provincial team in two separate sports. He represented the province at the Atlantic Gymnastics Championships in St. John’s, N.L., in late April, and is also set to compete at the East Coast Games in swimming this summer.
Duggan got his start in gymnastics after being inspired by a friend.
“I got into gymnastics because one day my friend, she came home from her gym practice and she was telling me all about it and I thought that was pretty cool,” he said. Duggan was only four years old.
Training for gymnastics requires dedication, as athletes must prepare for six separate events. Duggan said vault is his favourite.
“I really like that you get to feel like you’re flying, and I do the best on that event,” he said.
His journey into swimming came by way of family. Duggan’s sister was spending lots of time at the pool for physiotherapy after breaking her leg— twice. After sitting on the sidelines during practice, his parent’s decided to sign him up.
Turns out he was pretty good.
Now, Duggan trains daily during the summer with the Lunenburg Mariners Swim Team. His hard work paid off with two silver medals — in the 25-metre butterfly and 25-metre backstroke — at last summer’s provincial swim meet, helping secure his spot on the Nova Scotia team.
On April 22, Lunenburg Town Council presented this local athlete with a flag and certificate to show their support for his upcoming competitions.
When asked what he was most looking forward to on his first trip to Newfoundland, Duggan kept things in perspective.
“Just having fun, meeting new people,” he said. “It feels really good [to have the town’s support.]”
