Posted on Wednesday 3rd July, 2024

Brisbane Southside Masters Meet Report 2024

The Brisbane Southside Masters 2024 long course swim meet was held on a beautifully warm winter’s Saturday on the 29th of June.

184 competitors signed up to swim, representing 31 clubs (28 from QLD, 1 NSW, 1 Tasmania and 1 from New Zealand).

The program for the meet was split so that the shorter and longer events were spread throughout the day and masters’ swimmers could target their swims according to their personal preferences. Swimmers could enter up to 5 events earning individual and club points accordingly.

BSM introduced to the masters swimming world the “Southside Stretching Sanctuary”. Thanks to support from Results Physiotherapy and Pace a dedicated area was set up on the pool deck with instruction and guidance for dynamic stretching warm ups. Swimmers could come and go from this area in preparation for upcoming events or even to work on some sore muscles after racing. Stretching is so important for swimming and especially so for masters’ athletes and bringing some knowhow to the pool deck was greatly appreciated by all who attended.

For the first time in 5 years, the Champion Club award was achieved by the Brisbane Southside Masters team, edging out the teams from Miami and TSA. The small club award was won by Cotton Tree Masters. Swimmer of the meet went to Martin Banks from TSA Masters!

All the events throughout the day were highly contested and branch records fell throughout the program. But it was all leading to the pinnacle of the day, the final individual event, 50m Freestyle. Here we saw a remarkable achievement by Nadine Loof who set a world record in the event. Her efforts were shortly backed up by another remarkable swim just 5 minutes later in the 4 x 50m mixed freestyle relay. In total, one world record, 6 national records and 10 Queensland (branch) records were broken on the day. Congratulations to all!

This event only takes place with the help of many volunteers. From timekeepers, to raffle sellers, to stretching advisors, to chief marshals (this year dressed as the BSM mascot – a PLATYPUS!), to BBQ chefs, to officials, to announcers, and so many more. Thank you to everyone who made the day such a resounding success.

BSM cannot wait to welcome you back to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre for our next swim meet in short course form.

Meet Results: