Around the Clubs April 2022
North Region
Bunna-barra Masters
Since the birth of this new Club in 2021 we have been getting busy! Not only have we been training diligently, but we found time to dabble in some fabulous FNQ events.
October saw a few of us brave the “Swim the Reef” trial swim off Cairns – 1.5km or 3km on the outer reef (Moore reef). Braving being confronted by sharks and crocs….well maybe just turtles and the odd Nemo…we loved every minute of the crystal clear water and smooth conditions. It’s on again this year so keep an eye out for it!
The Club also made an impressive appearance at the Big Barrine Bash open water event in November on the Atherton Tablelands. Thankfully the “merch” was available and the crew didn’t just swim well, but looked fantastic in the process!
Alas, we farewelled a beloved member of the Club: Hamish Allardice, who moved back to NZ. We had a great last swim for the calendar year. We wish him luck swimming in the far more challenging and chilly waters of NZ.
So what’s next? The Masters Short Course State Championships in May in Cairns. Watch out for us in the very cool merch!
Cairns CLAMS
2021 Entertaining but 2022 should be even better. A great year in the pool and we have enjoyed a good influx of swimmers over the recent weeks with the State Short Course event to be held in Cairns in May.
A few Olympians strutted their stuff in selection Trials for our 4 x 25 teams. The cover story we put out to media was that they were at the pool preparing for the Olympics. We are having swim offs for selection into our teams.
OLYMPIC SWIMMERS TRAINING FOR THE OLYMPICS… ‘Yeah right look at the banner…’
Peter Cain achieved an astounding 20,000,000 million kilometres in the pool. Grant ‘Scooter’ PATTERSON presented the award and was amazed at Peter’s determination. Peter is having a little rest from pool activities at the moment but we hope to see him at the short course event. Hopefully we will see ‘Scooter’ at the Short Course Event. The CLAMS and all the Clubs in the Far North are going to host the Short Course and we are looking forward to a huge event!
Rats of Tobruk Masters
Townsville Heat Wave – Whilst the rest of the east coast has been underwater, members of the Rats of Tobruk Club in Townsville have been experiencing a heat wave with daily apparent temperatures of 39 celcius and nightly temps not dropping below 28. With only limited shade cover over Tobruk Pool the water temperatures have also been setting March records. 36 degrees last Sunday was a treat and it finally dropped to 33.7 by Wednesday with a promise of cooler weather on Friday. Training intensity has dropped off and NQ Swimming cancelled their championships due to the high temperatures both in and out of the water.
Meanwhile Kev & Karen have been moonlighting with Atlantis Masters in Adelaide, enjoying the training and joining in for some SA Masters Open Water Swims and Swim Meets.
Central Region
Hervey Bay Humpbacks
The pride within the Hervey Bay Humpbacks has shone through the successful “Swim Meet” on the 12th March. 113 competitors from 23 clubs made for some fierce competition with many PB’s being achieved in events on the day. The atmosphere friendly and competitive. Read the report here.
Three members have recently competed in the Mooloolaba Mile Ocean Swim event. Congratulations to Anne C, achieving a first in her age group for the 3km swim. Stewart and Debbie enjoying the competition and making the Humpbacks proud.
Maryborough Masters
Maryborough had 2 major floods in 6 weeks. Fortunately we have limited access at the Aldridge High School Pool. A good number of members are taking the opportunity to keep up their training.
Members meet at the Portside Café on 27 March to be presented with their medals from the Hervey Bay meet and well needed social interaction.
Rum City Masters
Twelve Rum City members attended the Hervey Bay meet in March with many of those bringing back age group medals on the day. We have also had our two oldest members, Daph Soppa and Paula Yates, each earn 4 FINA top ten placings in 2021, along with our 240+ women’s relay team who were awarded two top ten placings.
Training on Sunday mornings has been well attended, with the weather and water staying warm. We have interspersed our normal training sessions with some aqua aerobics, conducted by Janet, which was an enjoyable change.
We are currently busy planning for our swim meet in June.
Whitsunday Masters
The first three photos are our special swim with an Aussie theme to celebrate Australia Day. The program was organised by our coaches Mark Erickson and Raylene Rasmussen.
The others photos are from the North Mackay Sinkers carnival. Our competing members were Andrea Mitchell, Cheryl West, Lola Fisher, Natalie Card and Kay Corskie. Our previous member, Margaret Cunningham, who is now living in Mackay visited in the afternoon. At 96 she is no longer swimming, but she broke many records over the years.
Sunshine Region
Belgravia Masters
Belgravia Masters have been represented at Miami, Hervey Bay and UQ meets so far this year.
Four new members competed for the first time at Miami & Hervey Bay and they had successful swims and are keen to keep competing. Many of our members are also keen to participate in the Albany Creek Postal event and we are organising some Sunday swim sessions with our members and other clubs from around the area. These are always a great social morning and many friendships are being formed from these social swims.
Our club was well represented in the FINA Top 10 List in both individual and relay results.
We have a large group of swimmers who will be representing our club in the upcoming State Titles in Cairns in May. We are all looking forward to this meet.
Over the coming months we will be upgrading our uniforms and promotional material to increase membership.
Brisbane Northside Masters
Northside have re-signed nearly all last year’s members, and good numbers are turning up to training and breakfast every Sunday.
On March 6th the club held its AGM and trophy and awards presentations at the Valley Pool, which was very well attended. Guests of the club were the daughter and other family members of the late Norma Daniels, a much-loved member of the club for many years. Norma’s daughter Carol presented the Trophy bearing her mum’s name for the Endurance 1000 swims in 2021 and made a lovely speech outlining her mother’s swimming highlights.
Other awards included the Superfish award for outstanding performances during the year, won by Jemma Bayliss for her amazing 3000 metre Breaststroke swim, and the Coach’s Award won by Jail Buitrago, who has made giant strides since early 2021 when he could barely swim, culminating in the Rackley meet, where he swam extremely well at his first ever meet.
21 Northside members competed in 10 meets and broke 18 records in 2021, and they are looking forward to another successful year ahead.
Northside’s swim meet is planned for August 27th, after having to cancel for the last two years, with planning well under way.
Cotton Tree Masters
Cotton Tree Masters has had a strong start to 2022. With all the challenges South East Queensland has had recently we have banded together and welcomed new members bringing our little club up to 14 active members, our highest since inception.
In between dodging lightning storms and luckily not having our home pool flood like some of our unfortunate, friendly rival clubs; we have introduced a dedicated Saturday morning every month for our members to participate in the MSQ Endurance program. There has been some great participation and real comradery and look forward to seeing this activity grow for us in the future.
Some of our members are also regulars now at a weekly Sunday morning 2km ocean swim where we have met a bunch of new people and look forward to maybe introducing them to pool swimming and the fun and friendship of the masters.
Our plans for 2022 include participation in some local SE QLD meets like Hervey Bay, UQ and then onto Sydney Olympic Park for Nationals in April where we expect to be represented by 6 or so swimmers. Everyone is putting in some great work in training and we really look forward to a fun time and seeing the results of our efforts. Keep an eye out for our new T-shirts we will have on show, our first official “uniform”.
Genesis Aquatics
Genesis Masters ended last year with a breakup party including the large inflatable, good fun was had by all.
We have had a strong start with 16 members to date, a mix of old and new faces. In 2022 Genesis Aquatic Masters has been well represented at both Miami Masters and the UQ SC Preparation Meet. Some of our braver members have done some open water swims and Triathlon Events also.
Congratulations to Kim Finch who made 3rd place in FINA World Top 10 Womens 30-34 Age Group for 200m LC Fly, also congratulations to our Womens 4x100m SC Freestyle Relay Team (Age 160-199) in 5th place (Anita Lendvay, Linden Bungey, Cathy Van Croonenborg and Kim Finch) and also our Womens 4x100m LC Freestyle Relay Team (Age 160-199) in 7th place (Kim Finch, Cathy Van Croonenborg, Linden Bungey and Anita Lendvay).
We hope to continue the year with a continued good turnout at all the local meets.
Redcliffe Peninsula Masters
The club has kicked off the year with a new monthly coffee and chat being held at the King Street cafe in Woody Point. This is held on the fourth Saturday of the month at 11.00am and all are welcome, including non-members. This gives people who are thinking of joining the club an opportunity to get to know us better.
The club was pleased to participate in the Belgravia Masters mini swim meet held in January. It was a fun morning and congratulations to Neil and the team for the warm welcome. It was a great way to introduce our new members to the world of swim meets in a relaxed environment.
The club AGM was held on Wednesday 2nd March. We continue to boost our online presence to attract new members.
Sunshine Coast Masters
QSC swimmers continue to enjoy Sunday morning coaching sessions with Bruce Allender on pool deck.
In February, QSC held its AGM and 2021 presentation day. Wendy Coghill received a Life Membership in recognition of the many years has Wendy dedicated to QSC.
Our end of 2021 celebration cruise on the Pumicestone Passage in December was a fantastic social event. We cruised alongside Bribie Island just weeks before ex-tropical cyclone Seth caused Bribie Island to split at the northern tip dramatically changing the area.
QSC are looking forward to attending many swim meets and social functions in 2022.
TSA Masters
TSA Masters made its debut at the recent UQ Short Course Prep Meet held up at the Stuartholme School Pool. We are a new club formed to provide a pathway for the many squad swimmers in The Swim Academy’s adult squad program wanting to take their training to the next level.
We had about 20 swimmers compete over a range of events – and they had a ball. The word is spreading amongst our squad and we look forward to a whole new bunch of swimmers joining us at the River City meet in May.
Our thanks to The UQ team for a fabulous meet.
UQ Masters
UQ Masters have been a little displaced with the flooding of the University of Qld pools in March. Swimmers scattered to find other locations to train, but have now resumed training in the 25m home pool. The team has been busy with hosting the UQ Masters Meet at Stuartholme, and swimmers are now preparing to for Nationals in Sydney and State Championships in Cairns in May. Please see the UQ Meet Report here.
South Region
Brisbane Southside Masters
In December 2021 BSM held its annual Awards and Christmas Breakfast, which was a great opportunity for members to share each other’s successes and reflect on the achievements during the year. During this event, coaches’ awards were presented to Stephen Legge, Melea Lewis, Tom Brennan, Michelle Andrews and Margaret Windsor. Also, a special congratulations to Janeene Hutchinson who took out BSM Club Person of the Year. This award reflects Janeene’s outstanding contributions and leadership to the club during the year.
In February 2022, and despite some late withdrawals from the Miami Long Course Meet due to Covid, BSM produced some fantastic results with nearly half of BSM swimmers placing in their respective age groups. Those who didn’t place swam their hearts out and were great ambassadors (particularly Manny who in quick succession swam a 50 Fly, 200IM, 50 Breaststroke and then a 50 Fly in the mixed medley relay). These results would not have been possible had it not been for volunteers Cathy, Carol and Louann who managed the timekeeping responsibilities for the club all day.
The UQ Short Course Meet was another great event for BSM and it gave members some timely lessons for the upcoming National and State events. There were a few PBs during the day and a special mention should be made of Shaz who competed with BSM for the very first time.
Finally, preliminary work is underway for the planned BSM Swim Meet on June 18. This is BSM’s showcase event for the year and is hugely popular for all swimmers. BSM warmly welcomes everyone to attend and enjoy the world-class facilities at Sleemans Aquatic Centre.
Element Swimming
Element Masters has been active both in the pool and the open water in the first quarter of 2022. The World Series Swim succession of ocean swim events have been well attended by members; over 30 swimmers participated at the Noosa Summer Swim (our largest turnout to date), with a strong follow-up at the Mooloolaba Mile and another likely to follow at the Cooly Classic. Great to see the hard yards done in the pool translating well into the big pond, with a number of podium age group finishes across various swim distances! Speaking of the pool, what we’ve lacked in terms of numbers turning out to MSQ meets we’re made up for in performance levels. Lachy, our reigning club champion, has been a mainstay at events like the Hervey Bay Humpbacks (second in his AG) and UQ Masters meets (highest points total in his AG), boding well for future events.
Lowood District Masters
Lowood District Masters has been training three times a week for most of the first term of 2022. Four of our swimmers are regularly turning over 3K while others are celebrating making 50m without gasping! Karin swam at the Miami Masters meet and surprised herself with her times. We will be starting our winter training with Ipswich Masters and at UQ Gatton. Times will be advised.
Miami Masters
Marking the first Queensland meet for 2022, the annual Miami Masters Swim Meet was held on February 12 at the newly refurbished Miami Aquatic Centre. 163 individual swimmers attended including swimmers from as far away as Maryborough in Queensland, the always powerful Powerpoints club in Victoria, and the North Sydney Masters. While fun, fitness and friendship were the order of the day, competition was strong resulting in 5 Queensland and 2 National Records being broken. Gillian O’Mara and Kathryn Gill from River City Masters, broke state records, Bob Patterson from Redlands Bayside broke 2 state and a national record with the final national and state record broken was by the QMM “Swimmin Women” 320–359-year relay team of Margie Fittock, Margie Watts, Denise Robertson and Carole Simpson.
Three Miami Masters swimmers attended the Hervey Bay Humpbacks meet on March 12 and a large contingent of 27 attended the recent UQ Masters Preparation Meet on March 26 at Stuartholme School pool.
Forthcoming meets
Miami Masters is hoping to field strong teams at the upcoming River City Meet on May 7 and at the MSQ State Championships in Cairns on May 20-22.
Coaching
The coaching line-up for 2022 is a mix of old and new faces and includes Steve O’Brien, Roger Belmar, Sally Hunt, Luciana Rapach and David Nourdine, with Ed Anderson subbing in when needed at the Miami Pool, where training is held twice weekly (Saturday afternoon and Tuesday evening). The Nerang Squad has the excellent services of John Crisp, who gives a lively short course workout each Saturday morning. With some of our coaches also representing the Club at meets, we are fortunate to have their expert advice when competing.
Annual General Meeting
The Club’s AGM was held on March 19 with most of the same committee continuing in their positions with the exception of Steve O’Brien taking on the Captain’s role replacing Lindy Salter and Hugh McGaw. Eric Taylor filled the interim vacancy of Registrar not long before the AGM and is continuing in the role.
Grants
The Club is delighted to have received a “Just One More Grant” for a social media campaign aimed at recruiting younger members. The experience gained in running this campaign will be shared with other interested Clubs.
Social Events
“Nibbles” after Saturday training has been reinstated following the easing of COVID restrictions and the renovation of the Miami Aquatic Centre which saw an end to our Lane 11 spot. We have been adapting to our new surrounds and recreating the social gatherings.
The Club’s Presentation Night will be held on April 8 at Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club with guest speakers Mel Schipp and Shaun King from Club Active Burleigh Heads.
Membership
The Club membership stands at 90 financial members to date.
Overall Results and Rankings from 2021
A highlight of 2021 was the success of the Miami Masters world record breaking relay team, the “Swimmin Wimmin” (Denise Robertson, Margie Fittock, Margie Watts, and Carole Simpson), competing in the 320+ age group. During the year, this champion team broke 3 world records in freestyle relays: the 4×100 short course and the 4×100 and 4×200 long course relays. Denise also broke 4 long course and 7 short course national records, while in the relays, 5 women’s teams, and 2 mixed teams also broke national long course records.
Miami Masters swimmers scored well in the World and National rankings wrap-up for 2021 with 10 individual swimmers and 30 relay teams ranking in the World’s Top 10 Fastest Swims within their age groups. Seven swimmers were ranked in the Female and Male Top 100 nationally across all age groups and many more were ranked in the Top 100 nationally within their age groups.
Redlands Bayside Masters
QRB has had a great start to the year. We have welcomed back a much-loved and familiar face to the club, Alan Patterson. Alan was a founding member of the club, and has returned as coach after spending some time travelling abroad. The club was awarded an MSA Just One More Grant which we will be using for coach development.
The club has been well represented at all meets held so far this year and have brought home many medals and records. Bob Patterson broke a state and branch record in the 50m and 100m freestyle events at the Hervey Bay meet.
We had 8 swimmers and 2 volunteers attend the UQ meet, with 2 swimmers, Jeanette Adams and Adam Stevenson, making their debut. All swimmers appreciated the chance to compete in a SC meet and are looking forward to attending the State Championships in May.
River City Masters
With the release of the 2021 FINA World Masters rankings, River City Masters would like to congratulate their swimmers who achieved a top 10 world ranking in their respective age-bands for individual events:
- Blair Day (LC: 200m Fly (6th), 800m Free (8th))
- Casey Flouch (LC: 200m IM (2nd), 100m Free (5th); SC: 100m IM (6th), 200m IM (6th))
- Elaine Sng (LC: 50m Fly (8th), 100m Fly (8th))
- Gillian O’Mara (LC: 100m Fly (6th), 100m Free (7th), 50m Fly (7th), 50m Breast (8th); SC: 50m Fly (9th), 100m Fly (8th), 50m Free (10th))
- Jason Burgess (LC: 200m Back (4th))
- Kathryn Gill (LC: 200m Breast (6th))
And, in relay events:
- Jamie Coates de Jonge, Jason Burgess, Andrew Affleck, Casey Flouch (4 x 100m Free SC, 120-159 Years) – 1st Place
- Gillian O’Mara, Christina Echols, Michelle Gallen, Elaine Sng (4 x 100m Free SC, 200-239 Years) – 1st Place
- Andrew Affleck, James Alexander, Blair Day, Jason Burgess (4x100m Free LC, 120-159 Years) – 3rd Place
- Elaine Sng, Alexandra Duell, Katherine Duell, Michelle Gallen (4x100m Free LC, 160-199 Years) – 4th Place
River City Masters has enjoyed a successful start to 2022 with swimmers competing at Miami, North Mackay, Hervey Bay and UQ Masters meets. Multiple Queensland state records were broken by River City swimmers at Miami and UQ Masters meets. Gillian O’Mara broke the 100m Fly long course Queensland record at the Miami Masters Meet within her age band, as well as the 25m Free, 100m Free, 25m Fly and 100m Fly short-course records at the UQ Masters meet. Kathryn Gill broke the 100m Breaststroke long course Queensland record at the Miami meet within her age band, as well as the 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke short-course records at the UQ Masters meet. The club enjoyed age group placings across all Masters meets so far this year and the club are looking forward to taking a strong team to Masters Nationals in Sydney.
Preparations are well underway for River City Masters to deliver their first sanctioned masters swim meet since 2016. Unlike previous unsanctioned preparation meets, the club will have a fully operating semi-automatic timing system plus MSQ Technical Officials present – the club can also guarantee a great day of competitive swimming for those involved with some vintage awards for swimmers who achieve age-group placings. This meet will be the final competitive short-course preparation meet for those attending the MSQ Queensland State Championships in Cairns in May. The club are excited to welcome the Masters Swimming community on 7 May.
Southport Masters
Southport Masters is located athe the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre on the Broadwater Parklands and offers 12 month membership. Joining fee for the year is $82 includes a free pair of JMS swim goggles for new members. There is training for all levels 5 days week and is run by BE Coaching with head coach Todd Robinson. The club is looking forward to having the Pan Pacific Masters Games at their home pool.
Congrats to Jacob Loughnan who swam the lead leg of the 4 X 200 freestyle relay at Miami Masters Relay Meet in Nov 21 in a time of 1:57.75 – a new QLD and Australian record for the 18 to 24 age group – a great intro for Jacob to Masters swimming.
Toowoomba Tadpoles
The Tadpoles have had a busy month in March with entering a team in the MS Swimathon again this year. Here is our leader Maree’s report:
MS Swimathon
On Saturday, 19 March a team from Toowoomba Tadpoles, signed up for the MS Swimathon – a 12 hr relay from 6am to 6pm at the Oakey Swimming Complex.
Our team, the Tadpole Terrors, consisted of – Maree Antonio, Wayne Carlish, Marcus Ford, Sue Walker, Vanessa O’Sullivan, Paul Brundell, Lionel Scotney, Shayne Baker, Jill Davidson and a surprise visit from Brian Shackelton.
Together, we raised an amazing $6575 and were announced as the highest fundraising team. Individually, Maree was the second highest fundraiser with $2641 and Marcus was the third highest fundraiser with $1854.
During the day we participated in the Hour of Power – a challenge set to teams to swim as many laps in one hour and we didn’t disappoint, swimming 70 laps (3.5km) to win the challenge.
Also, a record of each lap swum is recorded by each team. The Taddies swam 742 laps (37.1km) to take out the prize for the most number of laps swum on the day.
While the accolades are great, the money raised is vital to assist the many Queenslanders living with MS. Overall, the Toowoomba swimathon raised just over $15000, which is a fantastic effort, and the money will directly support MS Qld to provide services for MS sufferers.
It was a fabulous day – full of many laughs, lots of swimming and Maree became a (self-confessed) Media Tart – thanks to Marcus. Seriously, it was a lot of fun and thanks to all for your efforts, thanks to the friends and family who popped out to say hi and can’t wait to do it all again next year!!!
AGM and member recognition
The next day after 12 hours of swimming for the MS Swimathon, our AGM was held. There are a few changes to the committee after farewelling Shayne Baker as President and welcoming Wayne Carlish into the position. Sue Walker was elected as Secretary after being in an acting capacity following the resignation of Trudy Padro. We have a dynamic committee again this year with lots of positive ideas and energy to bring to the club. Recognition was made to 20 of the current members for being with the club for 10+ years. The tradition began last year recognizing 5 members who have been in the club for 20+ years. The club has been going for 39 years and still going strong!
Trinity Lismore Masters
It has been a tough time for the club with Lismore pool being completely flooded for the second time in a month. It is admirable that club stalwart Therese Crollick and 6 swimmers from Coach Simon Watkin’s Senior squad who are going to National Age and Open championships have remained focused and continue to train at Ballina and Alstonville pools.
The future is uncertain with the devastating floods affecting Trinity Catholic College and the surrounding community.
Twin Towns Masters
While we have not been that active on the swim meet scene in the first quarter of 2022, our Lane Warriors and Endurance swimmers have been very busy putting in their meters and swims at our local pool at Banora Point. We will be moving to the Kingscliff pool at the beginning of May when the Banora pool closes where we will continue as usual with our endurance swims and Tuesday/Thursday swim sessions. Our social calendar will also remain busy throughout winter.
Our AGM was held on Saturday 12 March with a very good turnout. Well deserved trophies and certificates were presented.
Yeronga Yabbies
Lots of smiles, fun and success in the pool for the Yeronga Yabbies so far. 2022 is looking like it will be a fantastic year!
New sun hats have been added to our colourful club gear & we have plans to get a slightly bigger shade structure soon.
Barbarians
The Barbarian team is very proud to have welcomed many new members in the past few months. Our members, who come from far and wide across Queensland, have enjoyed competing at many meets across the state.
Some notable achievements have included:
- Joerg, Robert, Jason and Thomas setting a new MSQ branch record of 10:56.71 in the 120-159 4x200m Freestyle relay at the Miami Masters LC Relay Meet
- Barbarians scoring the second highest number of points behind the Miami Masters team at the Miami Masters LC Meet
- Chris winning 5 Gold and 1 Silver at the Masters Swimming Victoria State Short Course Championships, with several PBs and a lifetime best in the SC 50m Breaststroke
- Chris also swimming two lifetime best times in the LC 50m Breaststroke at the Brisbane Sprint Championships (placing 14th in Brisbane) and Brisbane Senior Metropolitan Championships, while swimming in the Open division and representing his SQ registered club
- Andrew setting a new MSQ branch record in the 30-34 50m Backstroke of 28.24 at the UQ Masters SC Preparation Meet
- The introduction of Barbarian Masters Swim Team club records
- Many PBs achieved at the Miami Masters LC Meet and UQ Masters SC Preparation Meet
It was awesome to see the turn-out from our members and our team presence felt at both the Miami Masters LC Meet and the UQ Masters SC Preparation Meet. Congratulations and a huge “thank you” to those clubs for hosting those meets.
We look forward to chasing some more Barbarian success at the upcoming Masters Swimming Australia National Championships this month, and the Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships next month. Several of our members have also entered the upcoming River City Short Course Meet and are looking forward to another great day of racing.
Go the mighty Barbarians! See you in the pool.
