The 15-year-old was considered a strong medal-winning hope, particularly in the 50m and 100m freestyle at the championships, which were scheduled to begin in Perth on April 14.

It was to be Mooney's first big carnival since pledging to focus more on swimming year-round, instead of staying out of the pool through winter to play Australian Rules.

He will now turn his attention toward trying to qualify for the Junior Pan Pacific Championships at Hawaii in August, and the World Youth Games in 2021.

Lowering his times enough for a shot at the Australian Swimming Trials, most likely next year, is also on the agenda.

"It definitely is a bit disappointing (the national championships were cancelled) but I've still got some short term and long term goals I'm looking towards," Mooney said.

"They (swimming trials) are another big goal but it's still a fair while until that happens, maybe next year.

"It's been pretty good to switch it up and work on things I haven't been before (during isolation), it's a bonus in a way.

"I'm just getting my strength and power up through gym sessions instead of just swimming."

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