2026 MSQ State Championships Celebrated in Townsville
The 2026 Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships delivered four outstanding days of racing, friendship and celebration in Townsville, bringing together 186 swimmers from 39 clubs for 1,025 individual swims and 76 relay swims across 35 events. With strong competition, record-breaking performances and a vibrant social program, the Championships showcased everything that makes Masters swimming special. The Championships concluded with the SeaLink Ship to Shore Open Water Swim, capping off a memorable week both in and out of the water.
According to Meet Director Maggie Georgopoulos, the Championships were marked not only by strong performances, but also by the camaraderie and encouragement shown by swimmers of all abilities. The event showcased the very best of Masters swimming, with competitors supporting one another throughout the week while enjoying the opportunity to race, reconnect and celebrate the sport.
Records Broken
A total of 31 records were broken during the Championships, including State, National and World records.
The standout achievement came from Denise Robertson (Miami Masters), who set a new World Record (provisional) in the Women’s 90–94 800m Freestyle with a remarkable time of 17:48.89.
Another outstanding performer was Aileen Mackinnon (Belgravia Masters), who broke multiple State records during the Championships and claimed the Denise Robertson Award for the championship’s leading 400m Freestyle performance.
Record-breaking performances were achieved across numerous age groups and events, highlighting the exceptional standard of competition and demonstrating that Queensland Masters swimmers continue to perform at the highest levels of the sport.
Championship Honours and Awards
Club Awards
- George Corones Trophy (Highest Point-Scoring Club): Rats of Tobruk Masters
- Max Gillespie Trophy (Leading Large Club): Miami Masters
- Mary Maina Trophy (Leading Small Club): Commercial Masters
Individual Awards
- Female Swimmer of the Meet: Denise Robertson (Miami Masters)
- Male Swimmer of the Meet: John McKaig (Townsville Aquaholics)
- Multi-Class Swimmer of the Meet: Madison Blair (Cotton Tree Masters)
Special Event Awards
- Jenny Mack Trophy: Christina Scolaro (Commercial Masters), recognising the swimmer achieving the highest World Aquatics points score across the 100m and 200m Breaststroke events
- Margaret Cunningham Award: Peter Borain (Noosa Masters) for the championship’s outstanding 200m Individual Medley performance
- Denise Robertson Award: Aileen Mackinnon (Belgravia Masters) for the championship’s leading 400m Freestyle performance
Competition Highlights
The Championships highlighted the strength and diversity of Masters swimming across Queensland, with swimmers ranging from teenagers through to competitors in their nineties taking to the pool.
The relay events were a particular highlight, generating excitement on pool deck and strong support from clubs throughout the competition. Regional clubs featured prominently throughout the Championships, demonstrating the depth of Masters swimming talent across Queensland.
SeaLink Ship to Shore Open Water Swim
The swimming continued on Sunday morning with the SeaLink Ship to Shore Open Water Swim in Cleveland Bay. Seventy-seven Masters swimmers took part across the 3km and 1.5km events, enjoying favourable conditions and a fitting conclusion to the Championships week.
Among the standout performances were Aileen Mackinnon, who was the fastest female Masters swimmer in the 3km event, and George Milford, the fastest male Masters swimmer. In the 1.5km swim, the fastest Masters swimmers were Brooke Munion and Paul Nichols. Swimmers of all ages embraced the open water challenge, with strong participation and impressive results across the age groups.
MSQ also extends its thanks to the Townsville Open Water Swimming Association (TOWSA) for their management of the SeaLink Ship to Shore Open Water Swim and for partnering with MSQ to host the 2026 MSQ Open Water Swimming Championships. Their expertise and support contributed significantly to the success of the event.
Celebrating 50 Years of MSQ
While the racing was outstanding, the Championships were about much more than results.
The social program began with the Welcome Function at Ardo, where swimmers and supporters gathered overlooking The Strand. A spectacular Townsville sunset provided a stunning backdrop as old friends reconnected, new friendships were formed and excitement built for the competition ahead.
The highlight of the social calendar was the 50th Anniversary Masquerade Gala. Swimmers embraced the theme with enthusiasm, arriving dressed to impress in a colourful array of creative and elegant masks. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for members from across Queensland to come together and celebrate Masters Swimming Queensland’s 50-year history and the friendships that make our sport so special.
Guests enjoyed live music and entertainment from Euphoria Duo, with the dance floor busy throughout the evening as swimmers and supporters celebrated together. Championship and annual awards were presented, recognising outstanding achievements both in and out of the pool, while members shared stories and reflected on five decades of Masters swimming in Queensland. Adding to the festive atmosphere was a spectacular 50th birthday cake, enjoyed by all as dessert and providing a fitting tribute to this significant milestone in MSQ’s history.
The week concluded at Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club following the Open Water Swim, where swimmers gathered one final time for presentations, congratulations and farewells before heading home after an unforgettable week in Townsville. Masters Swimming Queensland also acknowledges Colette Wasson for her work coordinating the social functions throughout the Championships, helping to create memorable experiences both in and out of the water.
Thank You
Meet Director Maggie Georgopoulos acknowledged the tremendous contribution of the Long Tan Legends, whose efforts before, during and after the Championships were instrumental to the event’s success. Special recognition was given to Vice President North Bert Collyer for his extensive behind-the-scenes work, including securing support from Townsville City Council and local sponsors.
MSQ also thanks Stephen Duffie for generously volunteering his time and photographic talents throughout the Championships, creating a lasting visual record of the event for swimmers and clubs to enjoy.
Masters Swimming Queensland also thanks the many volunteers, Board members and MSQ team members whose hard work behind the scenes helped make the Championships possible. In particular, thank you to MSQ President Susanne Milenkevich for her leadership and support throughout the week, and to Director of Recording Sam Brown for his extensive work with entries, results, records and reporting. Thanks also to Event Coordinator Gaby Donnelly and Business Manager Christina Scolaro for their ongoing support across planning, administration and event operations. Together with the wider MSQ team and volunteer network, their commitment helped deliver an outstanding Championship experience for swimmers, officials and supporters alike.
A Championship to Remember
Overall, the 2026 Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships were a tremendous success, combining high-quality competition, memorable social events and the friendship and community spirit that define Masters swimming. As MSQ celebrates its 50th anniversary year, the Townsville Championships will be remembered as a fitting celebration of the people, performances and friendships that have shaped Masters Swimming Queensland over the past five decades.
For complete results, records, award winners and Open Water Swim placings, please refer to the full Championships report below.
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