HE prefers freestyle, which is why it was surprising that Daniel Unwin found himself on the podium after the 50-metre backstroke on the weekend.
The 15-year-old was one of 11 Warrnambool Swimming Club members who contested the Victorian Sprint Championships at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Club president Peter Logan was impressed with Daniel's bronze performance.
"His preferred stroke has been freestyle but he has steadily been improving in his backstroke over the past few months," Logan said.
"He showed great form at the recent Victorian Country Championships held in Warrnambool.
"His third placing means he can consider himself a swimmer with multiple strokes and his performance will give him great confidence for events scheduled in the next two months."
Daniel also made the final in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle.
Clubmate Isaac Jones also qualified for finals, finishing fourth in the 50m backstroke and sixth in the 50m butterfly.
Logan said other significant performances over the weekend came from Jamin Baulch, Kayla Spicer, William McPhee, Eliza Mibus and Tanika Cameron.
He said coach Peter Finnigan was pleased with all the competitors as most registered personal best times over the 50m sprint distance.
"All swimmers demonstrated they felt comfortable swimming at such an important event," Logan said.