Around the Clubs July 2021

 

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North Region

 

Bunna-barra Masters

This club is the latest addition to clubs in the Cairns region, with the swimmers based at the Marlin Coast swimming pool in Smithfield (one of the northern suburbs of Cairns). The name of the club was given to the swimmers by Elders of the Yirrganydji (Irukandji) Traditional owner group of the land where the pool sits and has the very relevant meaning of “belonging to the water”. This club joins two very strong clubs in the Cairns area, the Mudcrabs and the CLAMS, who have been great supporters of masters swimming in Cairns and have been a great help in the formation of this new venture.

It all started with a group of adult squad swimmers who thrashed out laps every week and who have formed great friendships, friendly rivalries and who can’t wait to make a splash in eye-catching kit once it is available.

Cairns CLAMS

The year so far has seen a gradual increase in our swimming activities.  We have had some great weekend training sessions on Saturday and Sunday. 

The training swims are very social and a lot of fun.  They were increasing in seriousness as we train for upcoming events – unfortunately the events are rolling around but are being cancelled at the last moment.  A number of us were going to do the Gold Coast swim but it was cancelled due to rough seas.  This was not so bad for our lazy swimmers who were going to do it in a relay but for swimmers such as Joel LITTLE, Marshal extraordinaire at the Great Barrier Reef Games, who had been training for a solo, particularly disappointing.  (This was the second year it was cancelled)

Our members took part in the Cairns Ironman and again the swim was the best leg.  A great day with a following ocean current meant that some great times were swum.  The wind increased and the cyclists and runners complained and the swimmers, who had completed their day, had smiles on their faces.

Tobruk Pool Cairns hosted the Great Barrier Reef Games and Management of the Pool and our Club have a great working relationship. 

Tobruk Pool has been fortunate as it was a training venue for the West Australian Institute of Sports Swim Team prior to the Australian Swim Trials and it will also host the Australian Dolphins prior to the Tokyo Olympics.  The pool is also been used as a training base for some of the Australian Triathlon Team.  And our Australian Paralympians in Triathlon and Swimming will also join us.  It is a little soul destroying swimming in lanes next to these swimmers.

We are going to arrange some entertaining Training Sessions as a few events, in particular, the Green Island Swim, is not being swum/run this year.  We need some goals so we will do our 100 x 100 metre on 100 seconds training session and the ‘Bleeding Eyeballs 100’, invitations to other clubs will be sent.  Some in our training group are arranging a Swim from Green Island to Yorkey’s Knob (a lazy 28 kilometre dash).

 

Long Tan Legends

Many swimmers from the North Queensland clubs have been participating, as swimmers or organisers, in the open water swim series being held in Townsville. Members of the Rats of Tobruk, Long Tan Legends, Aquaholics, Whistsunday’s and Cairns Muddies as well as University of Queensland and Marion (South Australia) have been enjoying balmy conditions whilst avoiding stingers, sharks and crocodiles. Next event of the calendar is the Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim.

 

Port Douglas Cyclones

The Mossman Pool is still closed for maintenance, but that doesn’t stop us! This mornings challenge was the “Sexy Seven”! Seven hills around Port Douglas to conquer in 45 mins. Got the heart rates up and the legs working!

 

Townsville Aquaholics

Townsville Aquaholics have been very active over the last few months. Swimmers have attended several Masters’ meets including Mackay Sinkers Carnival, State Championships at Kawana and our favourite the Barrier Reef Masters in Cairns. It was fantastic to see Aquaholics come 7th in the small clubs at Cairns!

Our open water swimmers have also been very busy.  Julie has completed solo swims at Pub to Pub Rottnest swim, Lake Argyle and 26km Palm Beach to Shelley Beach Sydney swim. Helen and Dan were very keen for the Gold Coast 21.5km swim but it was cancelled so they completed the swim in the pool! Ana and Bill both just completed the half Ironman in Cairns both doing well in their swim.

Currently we have lots of swimmers training up for the Magnetic Island to Townsville swim which is in July. It is great to see everyone back in the pool and being able to tackle and achieve their goals! Go Aquaholics!

 

 

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Central Region

 

Gladstone Gropers

Gladstone Gropers participated in the Laps for Life Challenge during march 2021. The club decided to dive in and start swimming to support ReachOut Australia and their work with young people in Australia living with mental health difficulties. ReachOut Australia –  Helping all young people be happy and well. Suicide remains the leading cause of death in young people and Gropers wanted to make our swims count for a bit extra in March so support and services to save young lives can be provided.

As well as the cumulative laps during March as part of the fundraising we had a “Big Sunday” event on the 21^st March 2021. Nine Gropers swimmers completed the 100 x 50m challenge in regulation time. Team Gropers & Friends swam over 55kms in total over a very bleak and rainy morning. We exceeded our distance and fundraising targets for Laps for Life! The club raised $867 for Reach Out and the important work in youth suicide prevention. A very big thank you to those that made donations and raised funds and then committed in the pool for this very worthy cause.

On Sunday 20^th June, we celebrated past President Rod Porteous being awarded a MSQ COVID Crusher Award for his work keeping the Club together during the 16 weeks we were out of the water under COVID restrictions. Here is the submission the club made :-

During the 16 weeks that the Gladstone Gropers were out of the water for the COVID-19 Social Distancing Restrictions, our then President Rod Porteous took it upon himself to keep all the members, friends and associates not only posted on developments but abreast of global developments with a weekly broadcast email. Rod’s weekly update was eagerly awaited by his growing band of followers for the keen insights and musings. It may have seemed like a small thing at the time, but it kept the club connected and interacting whilst we couldn’t do it in person. 2020 was a tough year for the Club as it was for most clubs. Thanks to Rod’s Gladstone Groper spirit, we came out the other side and got back in the water and are building a strong club. Congratulations and thank you Rod.

 

 

Hervey Bay Humpbacks

The Humpbacks’ year continues with much activity. We had 12 members complete swims for the Albany Creek postal. Our own Postal Meet was well supported with 84 entries from around the State. We went live on Facebook for the lucky swimmer draw. Our winners were: Peter Johnstone, Ipswich, Anne Robijn, Hervey Bay, Kay Corskie, Whitsundays and Corals D’ott from Noosa.

Five Humpbacks attended the State Swim at Kawana Waters. A big congratulations to Paula Hewett for winning a Covid Crusher award for her efforts at keeping the club informed with weekly news updates and (once complete lock down was lifted) organising ocean swims and socially distanced, outdoor coffee catch-ups.

Six swimmers (and one husband) travelled to Cairns to enjoy a fabulous Great Barrier Reef Masters Games. A non-swimming achievement that we were proud of was winning the Best Dressed team on Fiesta night and making the final for the same competition at the “High School Reunion” themed closing night. We did also have quite a bit of success in the pool!!!

We’ve just swum our annual postal “Solstice Challenge” against WA club, Maida Vale. Results are pending as WMV are swimming their event a little later than us.

Six swimmers have just returned from the very well organised BSM 40^th Anniversary Swim Meet, bringing home three age group medals and just simply being happy to back swimming competition.

 

Maryborough Masters

Maryborough Masters Swim team combined with the Maryborough Marlins juniors for combined club nights throughout the summer. Masters & Juniors benefited from the competition and personal best times. The combined Presentation Night was rewarding and fun for all concerned.

The Maryborough Masters State Championship Swim Team of Cobie Van Wageningen. Chris Rowland, Valeria Wecke, Bob Stanley, Ian McAlister & John Morris received medals and personal best times at the Queensland State Championships on the Sunshine Coast.

GBRMG team Patricia O’Brien-Price, volunteer timekeeper, Bob Stanley, Valeria Wecke, Cobie Van Wageningen, Bob Evans & John Morris.

Congratulatons to Cobie Van Wageningen for her Covid Crusher Award. Cobie is a quiet achiever. She leads by example, and is competitive, honest, hard working and popular with all members. She was a worthy recipient of the Covid Award.

Save the date – Saturday 23 October 2021 the Maryborough Long Course Swim Meet and BBQ.

 

 

North Mackay Sinkers

The beginning of a new year saw a slow start as swimmers returned to base after a well-deserved break. It also marked the “Swim Free in January” promotion to encourage prompt renewals of master’s memberships, and we are currently back to last year’s numbers.

February is our annual sanctioned “Fun in Feb” swim meet and we enjoyed a great mix of swimmers from near and far that enjoyed a great day of friendly rivalry followed by an evening of socialising at a local watering hole. Some effort was required to meet the COVID requirements, and we thank our locals and visitors alike for taking a patient approach with the system. We also enjoyed the assistance of the Pioneer Swimming Club’s timing system and operators who along with the swimmers and volunteers made the meet a great success.

March was the lead up to our club’s participation to the Masters State Swimming Championships (April) which saw 6 sinkers in the mix acquitting themselves admirably with podium and PB performances all round.

April marks the end of our Summer swim sessions at our regular training pool but also saw our long-standing coach Greg Born bid us farewell after many years as club coach. The Club wishes Greg all the best as he reduces his commitment to coaching and becomes a regular member of our club.

May saw the GBR Games take place in Cairns with once again 6 Sinkers travelling to participate in this great swim meet. Swimmers again made the podium and created some new PBs while enjoying the social and tourist activities on offer.

The club is close to filling its coaching role and continues with the winter program of informal sessions three times per week. In the coming months we have several members contemplating OWS events as well as the postal and Townsville sanctioned events on offer to keep our more regular members focused.

Our regular sessions at out training pool kick off early this year in mid-September to ease swimmers into the season under new coaching arrangements.

The Sinkers executive and members wish all clubs the very best of success in the remainder of the 2021 year.

 

Rum City Masters

VP Central, Patricia O’Brien-Price was delighted to travel to Rum City, Bundaberg to present their State Championships Best Small Club Award. The opportunity to meet with the swimmers for a social chat and coffee enhanced the experience. Thank you Rum City.

Rum City Masters have had some fantastic results from recent swim meets. Congratulations to each and everyone of you.

State Results:

• Lyle Ferguson – 50 Free Gold, 200 Free Gold, 400 Free Gold, 800 Free Gold, 400 Breast Gold, 100 Back Silver
• Tom Hoskins – 50 Breast Gold, 100 Breast Bronze, 200 Breast Gold, 200 IM Bronze, 100 Butterfly Silver
• Justin Giles – 200 IM Gold, 400 I M Gold, 50 Free Silver, 100 Butter Silver, 200 Breast Gold, 100 Butter Silver 

Great Barrier Reef Masters Games Results:

• Justin Giles – 50 Free Gold, 50 Butter Gold, 100 Free Gold, 100 Breast Gold, 200 Free Gold, 200 Breast Gold, 200 IM Gold, 400 Free Gold, 400 IM Gold
• Bruce Bass – 100 Breast Silver, 200 Free  Bronze. 50 Free 4th   

Southside Meet: 

• Ellen Randle-O’Sullivan put in a great effort and earned two first places, three second places and 2 PBs. 

Rum City Masters look forward to holding our winter meet on the 17th of July.   Short and sharp, starting at 1:00pm and finishing around 5:00pm.   Come along and have a hit out and enjoy a meal and Bundy (maybe) after the meet.

 

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Sunshine Region

 

Albany Creek Masters

Albany Creek Masters Club is currently without a pool due to major renovations. Club members are split between the Lawnton and Ferny Hills pools, with some members swimming where possible at other venues. We hope to be back at Albany Creek by mid-July.

Two of our swimmers competed at the Queensland State LC Championships held at Kawana in April. David Butler came home with a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke.

Nicole Bartley got a whopping four gold medals in the S14 classification for the 800m, 400m and 100m freestyle, and the 50m fly. Congratulations and well done to David and Nicole!

And on a social note, Philip (our wonderful social organiser), arranged a large group outing to QPAC to see ‘Come from Away’ – a wonderful Covid-safe evening was had by all!

 

Belgravia Masters

Belgravia Masters Swim Team are enjoying a steady growth in membership across a variety of age groups. Membership has gone from 6 to 20 in our first few months and hopefully this trend will continue into the future.

Belgravia Masters were represented by 7 swimmers at the State Championships and all our members achieved PB’s and medals in most of the events entered.

The club had 7 members compete at the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games and 35 medals were won overall.

We are in the planning stages for our inaugural swim meet, hosting both a long distance meet on the 1^st of August and a regular long course meet on the 4^th of September. We are aware this is ambitious but we are keen to have our pool recognised. This indoor, Olympic specification pool and venue has been long overlooked and hopefully with the backing of Belgravia Leisure, will be a regular venue for years to come.

Several members have also competed in open water events such as the Moolooaba Mile and the COWS Cold Water Classic at Cleveland.

 

 

 

Brisbane Northside Masters

Bev Stubbings was our dedicated Club Coach since 2014, and Secretary for many years. Recently she made the hard decision to step down from these positions due to family circumstances. The club had a dinner function at the Breakfast Creek Hotel in June to thank Bev for the contribution she has made to the club over many years. Bev remains a member, and we look forward to seeing her in the pool and at brekkie when she can make it along.

Irene Lalana has come on board as Northside’s coach. She has been a competitive swimmer in both the pool and lifesaving fields, and a triathlete for more than 20 years. Add to that experience a Masters Degree in Sport Management and many coaching qualifications.

Four swimmers, Jemma, Tracy, Janelle and Bev, travelled to Mackay to swim in the short course Mackay Sinkers Fun Meet in February. Some swimmers were trying out their tech suits and all were happy just to be swimming in a meet again.

Janelle came in first (6 firsts) in her age group and every swim was a PB. Tracy also came in first (6 firsts) in her age group and broke a Queensland record for the 200 Backstroke.

At the State Titles at Kawana in April, Margaret got a podium finish in every event and a full set of medals in her age group with some great swims, and Tracy got gold in all but two of her swims.

Preparations are going well for our swim meet at the Valley Pool on August 21^st. The pool is closing for a few weeks in July for some minor maintenance so it will be perfect for our meet. During this time, our members will swim at Musgrave Park on Sunday mornings.

 

 

 

Cotton Tree Masters

Cotton Tree Masters have had a great year to date in 2021.

• We will have attended 4 carnivals this weekend after attending Brisbane South Side.
• 4 of us attended GBRMG and brought home a very pleasing 28 medals. 
• We have 7 new members this year bringing our total to 12. 

Two of our new members are in the multi class division, which is really lovely to have them competing with us. We are training hard and intend on competing in many more carnivals this year.

 

 

Genesis Aquatics

After 2020 and the upheaval due to COVID-19 which also included an empty pool for cleaning during the closure, we got off to a cautious start in terms of member numbers and took part in the Albany Creek Postal Swim in February followed by a coffee catch up. 

We had a great turnout at States up at Kawana in April and had some awesome individual and relay results with Coach Tony keeping us trained and focused as always with lots of laughter thrown in for good measure.   

We also had our inaugural Genesis Aquatics Masters dinner which was a great success and it was awesome to see us all out of our more natural habitat “the pool”. We are all looking forward to future events this year both in and out of the pool and hope that 2021 continues to be a year filled with fun, fitness and friendship.

Genesis Masters enjoyed the Brisbane Southside Meet, and were thrilled to come away with the trophy for ‘Best Small Club’. Well done swimmers!

 

 

 

Noosa Masters

We are almost halfway through the year and what a fantastic last six months we have had in return to competitions, (Postal and Swim Meets) squad training and Endurance 1000 in a relatively COVID-19 free environment.

Noosa Masters was well represented at the QLD State Champs in Kawana with 19 active members who all thoroughly enjoyed the spirited competition with QLD clubs and the interlopers from Victoria escaping the harsh COVID -19 lockdowns. The Noosa team performed above expectations with many personal and relay team moments shared by all. Noosa’s 280+ men’s 4 x 100m freestyle relay team was a highlight when they combined to win gold and came away with a State record. Many other members achieved PB’s.

This was followed by 21 members venturing north to the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games earning a record 75 medals, 48 individual and 27 relay. Another super moment for our 4 x 50m freestyle women in the 280+ category taking out Gold.

Gold was also the colour awarded to 12 of our top swimmers who were inducted into the FINA Top Ten rankings for 2020. Many achieved multiple entries with some combining for relay prowess. Congratulations were bestowed on the worthy members signified by an embroidered badge to wear.

Brisbane Southside is our next major competition on Saturday 19 June where we have 19 members entered. Continued effort in squad training sees the team in good shape to perform well, good luck everyone.

In addition to our busy competition schedule the members have been busy with several social activities over the last months from Valentine’s Day dinner, a Karaoke, ukulele singalong night combined with boot scooting line dancing and competition darts.

The Endurance team continue to amass points towards our goals for the year and interest is high for the Masters Games in Perth, the Pan Pac’s on the Gold Coast and our own Swim Meet in September. We hope to have a good number of entries.

The Club celebrates its 21^st year in a couple of months with past and present members expected to enjoy a catch up and celebration of our past and focus on the years ahead.

We look forward to combining with other clubs throughout the year in enhancing the Fun, Fitness and Friendship that is Masters Swimming.

 

 

 

Nudgee Masters

Nudgee Masters recently celebrated birthdays for June at the Geebung RSL. The club also hosted a Big Morning Tea and raised funds for the Cancer Council this is an important annual event for our club with the passing of our member Shelley McCready from cancer. Of course there is also swimming training and some competitors in our group.

 

 

Rackley Masters Swimming Club

Rackley Masters have had a busy few months. Many of our swimmers took advantage of the beautiful Queensland weather and participated in the World Swim Series ocean swims. Some for their first time in an ocean swim, and others who are seasoned campaigners. 

We had a strong team represent at the MSQ State Titles at Kawana in April. Lots of PBs, medals and laughs were had (just ask the relay team who were too busy chatting and missed the changeover!).

Everyone was very excited to celebrate our awesome coach being granted permanent residency in Australia. This occasion was of course celebrated with some Vegemite after a Saturday morning session. He has promised to wear his new beanie all winter. (We haven’t seen it yet though.)

 

Redcliffe Peninsula Masters

Redcliffe Masters have just held their half-yearly get together, with good weather and great company. Just as well, as another Covid lockdown soon followed…

 

Sunshine Coast Masters

As the host club for 2021 MSQ State Championships in April, the club could not have been happier with the event.  Of course the meet would not have been possible without the dedication of the QSC members and helpers.  To celebrate the months of tireless work and success of the State Championships, QSC recently hosted a dinner at the Kawana Surf Club.   Thanks to MSQ for the gift voucher that helped celebrations along.

In May eight QSC swimmers competed at the Great Barrier Reef Games in Cairns for the first time.  The team achieved some pleasing results and had a fantastic time each day at the Tobruk pool and away from the pool exploring Cairns and enjoying the Games opening and closing functions.  It was a great event thanks to the wonderful team who organised the swimming at the Games.  

 

 

On a sad note, in June we farewelled Derek Coghill.  Derek would be known to all in the Qld Masters community and will be greatly missed. Derek was a dedicated state official and life member of QSC and MSQ.  MSQ Facebook featured a post on Derek. Our condolences to Wendy and the girls.

 

University of Qld Masters

After COVID-19 restrictions throughout 2020 started to ease, UQ Masters members have started getting more serious about their training and looking forward to hitting some real pool meets. We are still training with the one hour sessions on offer at UQ Sport, with some doing multiple of those sessions. The meets have come along and Team UQ have hit them hard.

Membership: As at June 20 2021, Team UQ consisted of 38 active members, up from 29 at the end of 2020. We have had a few of our previous members sign up once competition was on offer, and we are picking up new members from around the state who have heard of us by reputation and want to be a part of the success we have been building.

We have three of our members involved with Masters Swimming Queensland administration/board.

Activities: Training, and finally competing hard!

Meets and results:

1. MSQ Preparation Meet – Palm Beach Masters
   • A small group of nine Team UQ braved the wild weather
   • Good to be a part of the first meet of its type – no points or awards; just an opportunity to compete and register times
   • A number of us put a large amount of time into the planning and running of the meet
2. MSQ Queensland LC Championships
   • We had a large team of 25 hit Kawana Aquatic Centre taking away plenty of medals and records (6 Qld, 2 Aust, 4 relay Qld)
   • Placed 2^nd in total overall points and 3^rd on average, 2^nd in relays
   • Two major award winners
   • We had three members heavily involved in the planning and running of this meet
3. Great Barrier Reef Masters Games

The GBRMG 2021 meet was the first longer distance away meet since Adelaide Nationals in 2019. The Masters club supported this meet well with large numbers nominating and travelling away. In the previous GBRMG meet Team UQ was represented by only four team members and one coach. This is the first major meet where UQ Masters has come away as Premier Club (this title is not official and was not offered as a meet award).

1. Another large team of 19 travelling away together to Cairns – second largest team of the meet behind QNA
2. Unofficially Team UQ won the meet in all but one category – total points, points average large, men’s, and relays, with two women and two men in the top 10 Fina points
3. Multiple records: Games records 60, State records 8, Australian records 3
4. Placings: 81 Gold, 23 Silver, 13 Bronze, 10 x 4^th, 7 x 5^th, 2 x 7^th, 1 x 9^th, 1 x 11^th
5. Relays: all UQ teams winning medals – 9 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze, 6 GR
6. We had three members heavily involved in the planning and two in the running of this meet
7. We had two swimmers in the Townsville Open Water swim with one first and one second in their respective age groups.

4. Brisbane Southside Masters SC meet
   • Another large team represented UQ with 22 members making us the third largest club.
   • We had 9 of us in the top 25 swimmer of the meet points ranking.
   • Another bag of National and State records
   • There was no large club – points average award, but after doing the calculations QUQ would have won that award. 

Fina Masters World Top Ten:

Congratulations to UQ Masters swimmers who have achieved FINA World Top 10 rankings for 2020, with two world number ones:

• Caroline Saxby
• Christina Scolaro

NAME	EVENT	TIME	RANK
Caroline Saxby	Womens 35- Years LC 200m Back	2:32.84	1
	Womens 35- Years LC 100m Free	1:04.66	3
	Womens 35- Years LC 200m Free	2:23.40	4
	Womens 35- Years LC 100m Back	1:15.01	4
Christina Scolaro	Womens 50- Years LC 50 m Brst	37.27	1
	Womens 50- Years LC 100m Brst	1:25.31	3
	Womens 50- Years LC 200m I.M.	2:57.37	7
Don Taylor	Mens 70- Years LC 100m Fly	1:37.38	3
	Mens 70- Years LC 200m Free	2:47.29	5
	Mens 70- Years LC 100m Free	1:18.27	10
Lance Morgan	Mens 65- Years LC 100m Free	1:08.81	3
	Mens 65- Years LC 200m Free	2:38.53	5
	Mens 65- Years LC 200m I.M.	3:20.55	7
	Mens 65- Years LC 50 m Free	30.61	9
Mark Hickman	Mens 55- Years LC 200m Back	2:50.88	8
	Mens 55- Years LC 100m Back	1:18.12	9
Martin Banks	Mens 50- Years LC 200m Free	2:16.81	3
	Mens 50- Years LC 50 m Fly	29.03	5
	Mens 50- Years LC 100m Back	1:13.36	6
	Mens 50- Years LC 100m Free	1:00.68	7
	Mens 50- Years LC 50 m Back	32.71	7
	Mens 50- Years LC 200m I.M.	2:37.42	8
Nola Macaulay	Womens 50- Years LC 50 m Fly	32.23	4
	Womens 50- Years LC 100m Fly	1:14.58	4
	Womens 50- Years LC 50 m Free	30.38	8
Ross Holden	Mens 70- Years LC 50 m Back	37.45	2
	Mens 70- Years LC 100m Back	1:32.70	4
	Mens 70- Years LC 200m Back	3:25.43	5

 

 

 

 

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South Region

 

Brisbane Southside Masters

A significant amount of our attention over the last couple of months has been in preparation for our 40^th Anniversary Short Coarse Swim Meet which was held on the 19^th of June at the Brisbane Sleeman Sports Complex (SSC).   Of course, in the meantime we had 14 swimmers compete at States in Kawana and 4 members travel up to Cairns to compete in the Great Barrier Reef Masters games.  We are very proud of our members performance at both events, and they represented our club with great esteem.  We have had solid attendance at our weekly Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday training sessions, with a new session being scheduled on early Friday mornings.  Our three Coaches cater for those that want to stay through to those that want to compete seriously.

Our swim meet presented us with lots of firsts

• First one for us to manage under the Covid event requirements.
• First one done in real partnership with MSQ.
• First one done with the ‘self-marshalling system” (ok we didn’t really do this, but we didn’t use the traditional method of rows of chairs either!).
• First time meet director.
• Significant proportion of the BSM committee in their first year.
• A number of volunteers in critical roles undertaking it for the first time.
• First time we couldn’t do our traditional buffet after the meet due to Covid, and the cost of external caterers was prohibitive.

Lots of opportunity for things to go wrong, and they didn’t!  We were overwhelmed by the number of entrants (265) and Life Member Michael Hill coined a phrase “States in a day”.  The success of the day is down to the foundation developed by previous Meet Director (for many years) Michael Hill and the teamwork from all BSM members (including those supporting the club who were not able to be there on the day) and volunteers.

The BSM and SSC teams performed magnificently on the day and delivered a 146 heat program in just on 6 hours (think of our 4 referees who had to oversee this non-stop). They then backed up and cooked a sausage sizzle for over 200 people and presented 20 of the most amazing raffles you have ever seen.

But in the end, the day belongs to the swimmers.  Provisionally, we had 16 National Records and 21 Branch records set.  The swim of the meet however surely belonged to the ladies from Miami who set a new World Record in the 4 x 100m freestyle event smashing the old record by 25secs previously held by Japan!!!!

Final results saw Miami win the large club’s aggregate trophy, Genesis Aquatics win the Small Club average and a proud member of the world record team, Denise Robertson, from Miami Masters win swimmer of the meet.

 

 

Emmanuel College Masters (E C Masters)

Our EC Masters is a small dedicated group of swimmers who train 2 to 3 times per week.  They enjoy training together to help each other reach their individual goals and they are often seen grabbing a coffee together after training.  They all have different reasons for swimming but share a common love for the sport (swimming).  With the help of our squad coaches – they set their goals, turn up to swim and swim year round.

 

Ipswich City Masters

Post Covid lockdown in 2020 it was wonderful to see Ipswich City Masters swimmers heading back to the pool. Swimmers participated in the Singleton Sundial and the Swimming up Hills postal meets whilst there were no face to face meets happening.

The Ipswich City Masters has had great  start to 2021 with swimmers participating in the Hervey Bay Humpbacks and the Albany Creek postal meets and competing at the Miami Masters meet, the State Championships, the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games and the Brisbane Southside Masters Meet. All of the QIP swimmers have enjoyed being back at swim meets and renewing friendships and making new ones.

 

 

Miami Masters

Palm Beach Preparation Meet

Twenty-two members braved the terrible weather on Sunday 21 March to participate at the MSQ Preparation Meet hosted by Palm Beach Masters. We had thirty entrants, but eight didn’t make it due to the flooding and heavy rain. At the top of our swimmers’ achievements were Denise Robertson who broke the National (and State) record in the 200m Backstroke and Kim McKeon who broke the State record in the 100m Freestyle. Then we had some outstanding results from our newer swimmers and great performances from many of our regulars. The meet was the first competitive opportunity for most swimmers since the COVID lockdowns in 2020 and was a great chance to sharpen up before the State Swim in April.

State Championships  

With a large contingent of 43 swimmers participating at the State Championships (9 – 11 April), the Miami team performed very well both in and out of the pool. There was a very convivial atmosphere, and everyone chipped in to help in out in many different ways. In the pool, with every swimmer earning points, we accrued the grand total of 2442 points to win the ‘State Club Champion Club Points Award’ for top points overall. Individual results included 72 gold medals, 63 silver and 28 bronze.  Denise Robertson, Margie Fittock, Alan Carlisle, Dave Boylson, Donald Leslie, John Crisp and Kim McKeon won four or more individual gold medals. Individual Record Breakers were Denise Robertson, who broke State and National Records in three events (400 Free; 800 Free and 400 Breaststroke) and Kim McKeon who broke the State Record in her 100m Freestyle event.

Miami also won the ‘Club Champion Relay Award’ for the top points won in the relay events including four teams that broke State Records, and two with National Records as well.

Five of our team members were also honoured with COVID Crushing Awards for special efforts in keeping the troops together during 2020: Lindy, Alan, Colette, Gordon and Hobe.

A big thank you to Sunshine Coast Masters and MSQ for organising such a successful event.

The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games

Ten adventurous Miami swimmers headed north for the Great Barrier Reef Games on 19 – 21 May. I think it’s safe to say everyone had a great time – not only a lot of fun, but a lot of success too! Every one of our ten swimmers came home with medals!

Pool Redevelopment

The redevelopment of the Miami Aquatic Centre which commenced in December 2019 was finally completed in May 2021. The redevelopment was a massive undertaking which involved the replacement of the older of the two 50m pools, the construction of a new indoor teaching pool and the construction of a new Administration and Change Room complex. Over the period of the redevelopment project our pool access was restricted as we shared limited pool space with many other squads. Our treasured Lane 11 sadly was also demolished. With the opening of the new complex on Saturday 8^th May, we are excited to have a world class aquatic facility as our home pool and we look forward to holding a meet there in 2022.

Un-Presentation Dinner

While most competitions were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID, there were still many awards to be presented at our Un-Presentation Dinner that was held on Friday 4^th June at the Burleigh Surf Club. Awards were presented to swimmers who broke world and national records, swimmers achieving swims in the Top Ten in the World and also to those who scored full points for Endurance. There were many more awards on a less serious note acknowledging the vast array of talents and contributions of Miami Masters members in and out of the pool. Around 50 members enjoyed a very entertaining night.

Annual General Meeting

The AGM was held on 15 May with many of the 16-strong Committee Members and Office Bearers continuing in their roles. New to the Committee are Chris Fidler (Vice President), Narelle Olsen (Registrar), Ed Anderson (Vice Captain) and Hugh McGaw (Safety Officer). A highlight at this year’s AGM was the appointment of 2 new Life Members: congratulations to Peter Mitchell and Margie Watts, who were awarded the Club’s highest honour of Life Membership for their invaluable contribution over many years. Peter and Margie join current Life Members Alan Grant, Denise Robertson, and John Crisp. Miami Masters now have 97 members. 

 

Redlands Bayside Masters

A REDLANDS swimming team with a combined age of more than 280 have broken a record at the Masters Swimming Qld State Titles on the Sunshine Coast. The awesome foursome of John King, Trevor Green, Peter Adams and Robert Patterson set a new record in the 4x100m freestyle relay and won second place in the 4x50m medley.

Coach Green said Redlands Bayside Masters Swimming Club also broke two relay records at the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games last month.

Their triumphs came in the 4x50m freestyle and 4x50m medley relay events.

“We’ve got some pretty good mature age swimmers,” Green said.

“One of the swimmers last year, he was the fastest in the world for 50m freestyle.

“At the moment, for the last couple of years in fact, we have had some good combinations in the over 70s.”

Redlands Bayside Masters Swimming Club are based at the Cleveland pool off Russell Street.

Green said masters swimming was about fun and fitness, and was open to people of all abilities.

“We have members that are at all different parts of their swimming journeys, and at all different levels,” he said.

“Everyone is welcome and everyone is supported. The fastest in Australia winning golds is just one part, it’s not the ultimate (goal).

“We are there to help people improve their swimming, and you don’t have to be a champion.”

Green urged people who were interested in picking up swimming at an older age to give it a go.

“The first thing I ask people is ‘what is your goal?’,” he said.

“We have got someone at the moment who is learning to swim and his goal is to swim the length of the pool.”

The club runs classes on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. (News article taken from the Redland City Bulletin)

River City Masters

River City Masters relaunched in early 2021 and ran a successful short course time trial on February 6. In a new format that ran over 2 hours and included Skins events, it attracted an impressive 61 entries.

Within 4 months, the club grew to 24 members and sent a team of 17 to the State Titles at Kawana Waters in April where they achieved impressive results with a total haul of 38 gold, 17 silver and 10 bronze. 

A mere 6 weeks later, two members of River City competed at the Great Barrier Reef Games and returned with 11 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze; as well as two games records and a state record.

It hasn’t taken River City long to make a mark on the Masters swimming scene and we look forward to building our club and being part of a busy racing calendar ahead.  

Please keep your eyes peeled for another River City Short Course time trial in early September! 

 

Somerset Masters

The Somerset Masters Swim Club operates out of Somerset College in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. The Club is relatively new and looking to grow its membership and expand with those training in our great facility. An existing great group of adult swimmers train up to three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday 5:30am to 7:00am) with Club members looking to compete in all levels of Masters events. With an enthusiasm for fun and fitness, Somerset Masters welcome new members with inquiries to swim@somerset.qld.edu.au or 55597339.

 

Toowoomba Tadpoles

Despite some cooler winds from the south west hitting the southern parts of the state members up in the high country continue to be active and enjoying the swimming activities on offer. While we are still welcoming new members to enjoy the Fun, Friendship and Fitness we have noticed that there are some members that appear a little reluctant to maintain their attendance in the cooler months.

Competition – Back in April Beres Hindman, Craig Lobsey, Paul Maher, Jennifer Webster (QTW), Gerry Little and Don Taylor (Dual members) tested themselves at the State Championships in Kawana. All enjoyed the challenge and did enjoy success and medals in several events.

Keeping the competitive edge for members is a worthy aspect of membership and Craig Lobsey helped by conducting a mini-meet on Sunday the 29 May which was a great way to get the Heart Rate pumping.

Community – The club spirit and commitment to the community was also on show at the annual MS Swimathon at Oakey Swimming Pool. Committee member Maree Antonio was the driving force to ensure that the club maintained its effort to support this worthwhile cause and recruited a team of swimmers to swim from 6am to 6pm and managed to raise over $2000. The club was also acknowledged as having completed the most number of laps with a trophy for the cabinet and Maree was recognised for her contribution for many years of MS Swimathon.

The club was also supportive of the Mental Health Awareness month in May when we donated the entry for the swimmers that swam on Mental Health Day on the 16 May 2021. A contribution of $75 was raised from this initiative.

Postal Swim – The club 1500m postal swim is on 8am July 1 to 5pm July 31 and masters swimmers are encouraged to make their mark on this distance. The event this year will also be open to swimmers to complete the distance wearing fins in memory of Debra Wagner.

 

Warwick Wahoos

It’s been a bumpy ride for this small club of 6 members based on the Southern Darling Downs since its inception in February 2020 –  Covid restrictions, Coach Brad out of action due to shoulder surgery and currently no access to the pool for 5 weeks due to maintenance. However, members are still interested in club meets with one swimmer having competed in a meet a few months ago, which is great!

The entire club venue – Warwick Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Centre – is undergoing maintenance works and will reopen in October. Club members can’t wait to recommence their Sunday sessions and hope to encourage their existing and new members back to their fantastic facility.

Pix caption: Warwick Wahoo swimmers plan to make a big splash once their indoor pool reopens in October.

Yeronga Yabbies

Fun, friendship, happiness and membership are on the up at the Yeronga Yabbies. We have had a great year so far with our Yabbies weekend swims, states success, and fun and glory at GBRMG in Cairns. We are looking forward to more swimming for the remaining 2021. 

 

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Barbarians

BSM 40^th ANNIVERSARY SHORT COURSE SWIM MEET – SAT 19 JUNE, 2021.

A strong team of 15 Barbarians attended this swim meet at the Sleeman Aquatic centre, meeting for the first time. The team environment, friendship and camaraderie were second to none. Coming together for relays and individual events. Records were broken and PBs swum and friendships made. Records broken: Andrew Cowan 23, National record 50m freestyle in a time of 23.53s and the Branch record 25m Butterfly in a time of 11.61s. Brandon Lambert 28, Branch record 200m backstroke in a time of 2:14.22 and Lene Knudsen 44, Branch record 25m butterfly in a time of 13.99s. Placings were won in individual age groups. For many, this being the first competition and for others, in a very long time. First competition swim for Jake Van der Vliet and a break of 23 years for Kyle Cornock. Sincere gratitude to Simon Thompson for taking videos and many photos for the team. Full credit to the BSM club and all the volunteers involved in running a successful swim meet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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