Posted on Thursday 27th February, 2025

Miami Masters Meet Report 2025

Miami Masters 2025 Swim Tours Australia Swim Meet Report

Date of Meet: 22 February 2025

Venue: Miami Aquatic Centre

Introduction

218 swimmers from 34 registered masters swimming clubs entered the meet. Thanks to North Sydney Masters, Coffs Harbour Masters, Yamba Masters, Gympie Gold Fins, Hervey Bay Masters, Toowoomba Masters, Noosa Masters, Cotton Tree Masters, Glasshouse Masters, Sunshine Coast Masters, Blacktown Masters, and Tuggeranong Masters from the ACT for travelling so far to attend our meet.

20 events and 919 event entries were held over the day, including 55 relay entries. We planned mixed relays to enable smaller clubs to engage with the fun of relays. Last year we had 35 relay entries so maybe the mixed relay approach worked.

QMM has initiated the “Novice” category for swimmers who have not previously entered a registered masters swim meet. Pleasingly, 13 newcomers took up this challenge.

Results

While the host club Miami Masters understandably dominated the total point score with their 48 individual swimmers, below are the results of the point scores when divided by the number of swimmers from each club.

Large Club Award (7 or more swimmers)

  1. Noosa Masters
  2. Toowoomba Masters
  3. The Swim Academy

Small Club Award (3-6 swimmers)

  1. Gympie Gold Fins Masters
  2. Cotton Tree Masters
  3. Sunshine Coast Masters

Records

Four Branch records were broken:

  1. Denise Robertson (QMM) in the F90-94 100, 200, and 400m Free
  2. Carole Simpson (QMM) in F80-84 50m Free

Mirjana Prather (Oregon Masters, USA) unofficially broke an Oregon state record in F80-84 400 Free  

Highlights

  • The handicapped “Dash for Cash’ where the fastest 50m freestyle male and female swimmers from 10-year age groups sprinted for $100 cash donated by McGaw Consulting. Great event with a few controversies typical of ‘professional’ racing! Thanks to QMM member Ross Beaton for coordinating the event and the 20 swimmers who competed with great spirit and camaraderie. To finish our meet on such a high was great.
  • The use of the Touch Pads added a new level of professionalism to our meet. I was hoping the use of the Touch Pads might attract swimmers having a crack at records. Not the case with more state and national records set at last year’s meet. Next year we may consider the use of a portable large screen to show times and places in all events. Depending on cost.
  • The 13 Novice swimmers who swam at their first masters meet in 50m events in each stroke. We hope you learnt a lot and experienced the fitness, friendship and fun masters swimming is about.
  • The smooth running of the meet was a highlight. While that efficiency reflected the prior organisation, it also reflects the commitment of all clubs, and the hard-working volunteers, and particularly the key coordinators in their roles.

Thank Yous

  • A big thank you to all our Miami Masters set-up and pull-down volunteers. You bought a smile to my dial when, after the presentations, I walked back to the competition pool area to see all tents, chairs, tables, and boards cleaned up and put away. What a team!
  • The volunteer timekeepers, Miami Swimming Club Timing System gurus, Paul and Kathy Sawoniewski.
  • Our own masters swimming Meet Manager software Recorder, Jane Wilson for giving her time to and expertise to assist us on the day. Jane’s patience pre-meet, together with the support of MSQ Recorder Martin Banks, and MSQ Business Manager, Christina Scolaro, solves so many pre-event IT issues that ensure the meet is run smoothly. From me as Meet Director, take a hug and a big thanks.
  • Our Masters Swimming Queensland Officials who work tirelessly on their feet the whole meet. Always with smiles on their face. We can’t do it without you: QMM member and Meet Chief Referee Michelle Burley-Jones, Liz Alfredson, Julie-Anne Tuxworth, Bruce Allender. Hannah Tuxworth stepped in at the last minute to help with the key Chief Timekeeper role along with QMM member, Sue Kidd.
  • Starter and QMM member, Endurance 1000 full points swimmer, Gordon Southam.
  • The peerless Announcer, QMM Head Coach, sport lover, and swimmer Ed Anderson. Thanks to Colette Southam for stepping in to assist Ed. A key role that requires experience and a sharp mind.
  • The ‘Motley Crew’ marshals and check starters Lance Kunde, Hubie Abbott, and Warren Rowbotham.
  • QMM members who took on key roles and lead them beautifully, making my role as Meet Director so much easier:
    • Julie Stuart and Kathy Watt for watering and feeding officials. The officials love our Meet because they are treated so well.
    • David Salter and Jim Simpson setting up and running the BBQ.
    • Lindy Brand, QMM Newsletter Editor, for working so hard on the raffles with her team.
    • Lindy Salter, current world masters swim champion, mother of seven and grandparent to many, for chasing so many raffle prizes and sponsors.
    • Peter Mitchell for setting up stopwatches, clipboards, water for officials, and behind-the-scenes tasks.
    • Vanessas Teece for assistance with merchandise sales and presentations.
    • On-Deck Coach John Bonning for ensuring the warm-up starts worked and novice swimmer nerves were calmed!
    • QMM Club Captain, Ross Beaton, for his diligence in coordinating and managing the Dash for Cash. Great job mate.
  • ‘Izzy’ Mathew Isbester and Jackie Bland and their team from Rackley’s Swimming City Venue Management for working with Miami Masters so well leading up to and during the Meet.

Thanks also to our Meet Naming Rights Sponsor Ally Zillman and her business Swim Tours Australia, major sponsors 94.1 FM, Hutchinson Builder, and Ray Stephens our local MP.

Feedback and Ideas for 2026 appreciated.

Peter Reaburn QMM Meet Director: preaburn55@gmail.com or Mob: 0408 760 757.