THE South Gippsland Bass swimmers blew away the competition at the Victorian Age Championships held on September 6-8 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
The event drew the best 12–17-year-old swimmers from throughout Victoria and included some national-level swimmers from NSW and the Northern Territory.
With 36 competing swimmers, who had swum qualifying times, this was the largest team ever sent by South Gippsland Bass (SBG) to the championships.
In a competition, normally dominated by large Melbourne clubs, SGB was noticeable in the finals with several swimmers finishing top 10 in their event or being emergencies and qualifying to compete.
Those not swimming in finals came along to support their teammate’s racing and there were great celebrations with each swim, especially when they came home with top three placings and medals.
It was a hectic weekend for the coaches with two race pools going at the same time as well as warm-up, but the coaches took it in their stride.
Coach Dylan was thrilled with their efforts, especially given the disruption this week due to the loss of power at the Leongatha pool, which prevented many from training.
“They are all coming out with (personal bests) and improved results,” he said.
“The hard work they have put in over the winter months has paid off and their smiles post-race and little celebrations in the lane shows me how proud they are of their efforts.
“Their efforts to compete over the three days, continuing to PB and with so many finalists and medallists in the last evening, is a credit to the swimmers and their determination. The support they have got from their families and fellow swimmers, not just here but watching at home on the live feed over the weekend has enabled them to do their best.”
All 36 swimmers competing were Bec Barclay, Max Brocklesby, Rex Brocklesby, Asha Chalmers, Nyah Chapman, Gemma Cook, Claudia Croatto, Bel Croatto, Emily Croatto, Molly Detburn, Billy Fisher, Maggie Fisher, Cormac Flynn, Lachie Grimes, Josh Hunt, Sienna Hunt, Holly Hurst, Levi Jarrett, Hannah Lucas, Isabella Lynch, Rahni
Matheson, Tayah Matheson, Neka McKenzie, Lacey McRae, Ruby McRae, Hugh Munro, Brooklyn Packer, Maddison Pocklington, Cooper Quaife, Miah Roberts, Jemma Rump, Zac Sherar, Will Simmons, Jarrah Tagell and Jedda Tagell.
The club finished 14th overall out of the 95 clubs competing – an outstanding effort when you compare the facilities and size of many of the other clubs.
Results:
Archie Smyth 12, 1st 200m Backstroke, 7th 100IM, 3rd 200m Freestyle, 1st 100m Backstroke, 3rd 50m Freestyle.
Miah Roberts 14, 3rd 200m Backstroke, 4th 100 Backstroke
Claudia Croatto 15, 6th 100m Breaststroke, 4th 200m Breaststroke
Emily Croatto 12, 3rd 100m Breaststroke
Will Simmons 15, 9th 200m Backstroke
Gemma Cook MC, 1st 50m Freestyle, 2nd 100m Backstroke, 2nd 200 IM, 1st 100m Freestyle, 3rd 100m IM
Levi Jarrett, MC 2nd 50m Freestyle, 3rd 100m Breaststroke, 4th 100m IM, 3rd 100m Freestyle
Rahni Matheson 16, 3rd 200m Breaststroke, 5th 200m IM, 2nd 100m, 1st 100m Breaststroke
Zac Sherar 9th 50m Freestyle, 7th 200m Freestyle,
Isabella Lynch 12, 10th 100m Breaststroke
Cormac Flynn 14, 6th 100m Breaststroke, 7th 200m Breaststroke
Josh Hunt 15, 8th 200m Butterfly
Asha Chalmers 15, 6th 400m IM, 10th 200m Butterfly
Max Brocklesby 15, 6th 800m Freestyle, 9th 400m Freestyle
