Posted on Thursday 22nd June, 2023

Brisbane Southside Masters Meet Summary 2023

On a beautiful winter morning in Brisbane, the air was electric as swimmers from various masters’ clubs gathered for the Brisbane Southside Masters Short Course Swim Meet. Held in the state-of-the-art Sleeman Sports Aquatic Centre, this event showcased the incredible talent and fierce determination our masters swimming community. But most importantly “Fun, Fitness & Friendship” was on display throughout!

As competitors arrived, they only stopped to check out the overflowing raffle tables, the atmosphere inside the venue grew increasingly charged with anticipation. Swimmers filled the stands, eagerly awaiting the thrilling races that were about to unfold. The pool sparkled under the bright lights, inviting the competitors to dive in for their warm ups and make a splash.

The Short Course Swim Meet consisted of events from 25m through to 200m in the 25-meter pool configuration. This offered swimmers a chance to showcase their speed with the world class AOE timing equipment.

The competition kicked off with the longer 200m events. An early highlight of the day was Tony Goodwin (86) from Manly NSW who set a new WORLD RECORD in the 200m Breaststroke breaking a record which he had previously set. His new world time is now 3:43.10.

As the meet progressed, the energy intensified and the shorter events filled the program. Records were shattered and personal bests were achieved, with 28 individual national records, 1 NSW branch record, 61 Queensland branch records, 12 relay records and 2 world records set! (See below for details.)

Amidst the intense competition there was some media attention not usually found on pool deck at a BSM swim meet. This year, we were pleased to welcome the radio team of Ash (Ashley Bradnam), Luttsy (David Lutteral) & Susie O’Neill from NOVA 106.9FM in Brisbane. They have joined the Rackley Masters team and were hoping to swim times that were fast enough to qualify for the World Masters Championships in Fukuoka Japan in August 2023.

Susie was the first of the team to hit the pool where she swam in the 50m Butterfly. To her utmost surprise and the thrill of all who were present, Susie set a new WORLD RECORD in her very first Masters swim. A new World time of 28.95 in the 50-54 year women age category.

After the first set of relays, we took the chance to have a short 10 minute break to let the officials catch their breath. This was an awesome chance for Greg our swim-day MC to learn a bit more about Ash, Luttsy and also chat to the fourth member of the NOVA relay team “Fletch” (Kylie Fletcher) who is one of our masters regulars.

The final races included some of the flagship events like the 50m and 100m freestyle. Everyone gave it everything they had knowing that this meet was a stepping stone to greater heights including the MSQ short course State Championships which will be held at this very location in Early 2024.

With the last strokes and final touches of the mixed relays, the BSM Short Course Swim Meet came to an end. A sausage sizzle was on offer around the outside pool where everyone could enjoy the perfect afternoon of weather and to talk with their teammates and fierce rivals. Medals were awarded for each age category, and the champions were celebrated. But beyond the accolades, this meet was a celebration of the fun, fitness & friendship that is masters swimming.