Posted on Friday 19th September, 2025

MSQ North Qld Championships 2025

The 2025 North Queensland Championships have wrapped up, and while competitor numbers were slightly down on last year, the energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie were as strong as ever. 

The atmosphere remained vibrant all weekend with great thanks to:

  • Bert Collyer, MSQ VP North, Meet Convenor, raffle wrangler, band and bar manager, and especially the medal and awards official
  • Tina and John from the Gardens Junior Club, timing system gurus and operators – MSQ and QLT are grateful for your expertise and support
  • Susanne and Gaby on the mic as event commentators and emcees keeping everyone informed – with a few laughs added to the day’s events
  • Seahorse Sammy and Sammy the Squid who ensured everyone was on the right block and in the right lane and always on time!
  • MSQ and SQ Officials – JB, AJ, Michelle and Karen keeping the swimmers honest!
  • All our competitors and supporters – you are the reason we have these events, and we are grateful you come with smiles and laughs ready to enjoy the fitness, friendship and fun that is Masters Swimming!

Swimmers from Cairns, Mackay, and Southeast Queensland clubs turned out in force, with host club Long Tan Legends (QLT) and Townsville’s Rats of Tobruk and Aquaholics making particularly impressive showings. The Townsville interclub rivalry added a competitive edge to the weekend, culminating in QLT taking home the coveted Large Club Average Award and the Relay Award.

 

Award Winners

Male Swimmer of the Meet (18–59):
• Pierre Craven – North Mackay Sinkers

Female Swimmer of the Meet (18–59):
• Helen Whitford – Rats of Tobruk

Male Swimmer of the Meet (60+):
• Simon Foale – Long Tan Legends

Female Swimmer(s) of the Meet (60+):
• Lesley Thorpe – North Mackay Sinkers
• Judith Clarke – Atherton Mountaineers

Large Club Award:
• Long Tan Legends

Small Club Award:
• North Mackay Sinkers

Club Relay Award:
• Long Tan Legends

 

Congratulations to Helen Whitford on her provisional National and State Records this weekend:

  • 100m Backstroke – 1:17.20
    • New MSQ State Record (previous: 1:19.83)
    • New National Record (previous: 1:17.91)
  • 400m Freestyle – 5:11.83
    • New MSQ State Record (previous: 5:24.64)
  • 200m Individual Medley – 2:51.51
    • New MSQ State Record (previous: 2:53.57)
  • 200m Backstroke – 2:49.53
    • New MSQ State Record (previous: 2:55.06)

 

Many expressed their hope that the North Qld Champs will continue as a fixture on the MSQ calendar, though it was with great excitement that MSQ President, Susanne, announced that MSQ State Championships will be hosted in Townsville at Long Tan Pool from 16-18 July 2026, in conjunction with a number of MSQ 50th Anniversary events and culminating with a refreshing OWS hosted by TOWSA on 19 July 2026. QLT and MSQ look forward to seeing everyone again then to enjoy a fabulous celebratory time of Masters Swimming.

 

Meet Results: