Michael Painter made an immediate impact at competition level, swimming a 25.66 50-metre freestyle to qualify for the Victorian open championships.

Painter, 21, needed a time of 26.7 or quicker to book a spot at the state competition.

Rachel Vickery will swim in two events at the Victorian age championships.

She qualified for the under 11 girls’ 50m freestyle on Sunday, posting 33.43 seconds.

It backed up her 100m backstroke qualifying effort in Geelong the week before.

Warrnambool coach Jayson Lamb said Painter’s efforts were promising.

“It was his first swim meet. He’s been training with us on and off for 12 months,” he said. “He has a water polo background.

“Michael made a state time which was good, and some country times.

“He qualified for state in the 50-metre free and in his 100m free he went 58 (seconds) but I think he can go another two seconds (off that).”

Painter was among a number of swimmers representing Warrnambool for the first time.

Luke Blackburn, Martina Da Ros, Massy Da Ros, Pera Da Ros, Tessa Lane, William McNeil and Mario Materia all made their debuts.

Warrnambool had 72 swimmers compete at the longcourse event.

“We are attracting a lot of new members between nine and 12 years old,” Lamb said.

“We had seven of those at the weekend and Michael at the other end (of the age spectrum).”