Posted on Tuesday 17th September, 2024

Celebrating Nth Qld Championships!

MSQ NQ Championships 2024 Report

The MSQ North Queensland (NQ) Championships held at the Long Tan Memorial Pool in Townsville on the 7th and 8th of September was an outstanding success. This long-awaited return, after more than 20 years, saw swimmers from across Australia – as far south as Hobart and as far north as Mossman – gather for a weekend of friendly competition, camaraderie, and community spirit, all under the warm North Queensland skies.

Competition Highlights

The Championships featured a wide range of events across all age groups and distances, with participants proving that age is no barrier to competitive swimming. The standout race of the weekend was the Male 200+ Medley Relay, which saw the host club Long Tan Legends in a thrilling showdown against the formidable North Mackay Sinkers. Long Tan triumphed by the slimmest of margins, retaining their bragging rights until their next meeting.

Notable performances came from Nigel Dalton (QNS) and Sandra Erdmann (QLT), who were crowned male and female swimmers of the meet, respectively. John McKaig (QTA) made waves by setting two Queensland records and two national records in the 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly, proving that Long Tan Pool is indeed a very fast pool.

Relay teams added an extra element of fun to the event, with many swimmers competing in relays for the first time since their youth, enhancing the spirit of camaraderie that defines Masters Swimming.

Community Spirit and Social Highlights

The weekend was not just about the competition but also about celebrating the Masters Swimming community. Many swimmers achieved personal bests, a testament to their dedication and hard work, while others returned to competitive swimming after decades. The atmosphere was one of unity and mutual support, with swimmers cheering one another on and celebrating each other’s successes.

A key highlight of the weekend was the Saturday night BBQ and live band. Participants fuelled up after the competition and wound down in a laid-back atmosphere, enjoying the music and even dancing on the grass. While it wasn’t quite Cloudland, it was the next best thing, with a playlist that perfectly suited the audience.

Awards and Achievements

  • Female Swimmer of the Meet: Sandra Erdmann (QLT)
  • Male Swimmer of the Meet: Nigel Dalton (QNS)
  • Large Club Average Award: Long Tan Legends (QLT)
  • Small Club Average Award: Noosa Masters (QNA)
  • Club Relay Award – Large Club: Long Tan Legends (QLT)
  • Club Relay Award – Small Club: Hervey Bay Humpbacks (QHB)

Records Broken:

  • John McKaig (QTA):
    • 50m Freestyle – Queensland and National Record
    • 50m Butterfly – Queensland and National Record

Event Success

The 2024 MSQ NQ Championships welcomed 78 entrants from 23 clubs, with the gold medal tally surpassing the number of silver and bronze medals awarded. The event ran smoothly thanks to the officials and tireless efforts of volunteers, who worked independently to ensure everything went according to plan.

The continuous entertainment, including raffles, lane, and door prizes, added to the overall success of the weekend. Attendees were full of praise for the well-organised event, delicious food, and drink, with many already looking forward to next year’s carnival.

Special Thanks

MSQ extends sincere thanks to Bert Collyer, VP North, and his team for their hard work and dedication to organising the event. A special acknowledgment also goes to Lori Chaplin, MSQ Director of Technical Services, for attending and officiating in Townsville. Thanks also to Susanne Milenkevich, MSQ President, for her enthusiastic participation, and to Flamingo Sam for his marshalling expertise!

In summary, the MSQ NQ Championships was a resounding success, combining high-level competition with the unique, laid-back charm of North Queensland. The event not only showcased the enduring appeal of swimming but also reinforced the strong sense of community within Masters Swimming. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another unforgettable experience next year.

Results