The spin-off has been an increased focus on her own exploits in the water – with remarkable results.

The 19-year-old marine biology student is in the midst of a stunning shortcourse season, less than a year after joining the Warrnambool Swimming Club ranks.

She has slashed her personal-best times under the tutelage of coach Jayson Lamb and is bound for Swimming Victoria shortcourse championships this month.

Thomas, whose talents stem from a background in surf life saving, said the move south had benefited her swimming.

“I came down with the idea of training with Warrnambool. I’d spoken to Jayson previously at comps,” she said.

“A couple of months in I decided I’d switch clubs and swim with them. It’s got me back into the competitive side of things.

“I was still racing a lot (last year) but not quite as much. With year 12 and everything I backed off a bit. I only ever trained three times a week and I’ve upped it a little bit.”

Thomas hits the pool five times a week these days and is rapt her dedication is reaping rewards.

She won seven medals – six gold and one bronze – at country shortcourse championships last month. But more impressive was the number of seconds she took off her lowest marks.

“The different training has brought me down a lot, actually,” she said.

“At country shortcourse (championships) I was doing four-second PBs in most my races. I wasn’t expecting the jump in times quite so much.

“Definitely getting the results I’m getting and noticing my times come down is motivating me more. I’ve got new focuses.”

Thomas is among about 20 WSC members bound for state shortcourse championships in coming weeks.

Open-age, 12 years and 11 years competitors hit Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on September 19 and 20. Those from 13 years to 18 years are in action first, from September 4 to 6.

Thomas, who listed freestyle and breaststroke as her preferences, said she wanted to set even lower PBs at the titles. Her major swimming goal is to qualify for national longcourse championships early next year.

“I’m still just trying to get my times down a bit more, I’m not looking for placings or anything...It’s a bit different for us going up against the city swimmers,” she said.