Posted on Wednesday 25th February, 2026

Miami Masters 2026 Swim Meet Report

Date of Meet: 21 February 2026

Venue: Miami Aquatic Centre

Introduction

189 swimmers from 36 registered masters swimming clubs entered the meet. Thanks to North Sydney Masters, Port Macquarie Masters, Coffs Harbour Masters, Clarence River Masters, Gympie Gold Fins, Hervey Bay Masters, Toowoomba Masters, Noosa Masters, North Shore Masters, Cotton Tree Masters, Glasshouse Masters, and Sunshine Coast Masters for travelling so far to attend our meet. Special thanks to the 6 international swimmers who attended too – USA, Ireland and England.

18 events and 852 event entries were held over the day, including 29 relay entries. In 2027, we are considering having a real focus on relays. Both mixed and gendered. Over all distances. With maybe two individual 50m swims out of 4 offerings. Something different!

Results

While the host club Miami Masters understandably dominated the total point score with their 42 individual swimmers, below are the results of the point scores when divided by the number of swimmers from each club.

Large Club Award (7 or more swimmers)

  1. Sunshine Coast Masters
  2. Coffs Harbour Masters
  3. The Swim Academy

Small Club Award (1-6 swimmers)

  1. Cotton Tree Masters
  2. Gympie Gold Fins Masters
  3. Ipswich Grammar Masters

Records

  • 12 Branch Individual records were broken along with 4 Relay records. Special mention must go to Belgravia’s Aileen Mackinnon who broke 5 individual branch records in the female 60–64-year age group.
  • One individual National record was broken by Ipswich Grammar Masters swimmer Stephen Berting in the 45–49-year 50m Free with a time of 24.56s.
  • One Relay National record was recorded with Commercial Masters 120-159 years mixed 4x200m freestyle relay team of Sebastian Bryant, Dale Cuffe, Kady Ibell and Shelley Devers beating the old record by six seconds.

Highlights

  • The handicapped “Dash for Cash’ where the fastest 50m freestyle male and female swimmers from 10-year age groups sprinted for $200 cash donated by McGaw Consulting. Great event with a few controversies typical of ‘professional’ racing! Thanks to QMM member Ross Beaton for coordinating the event and the 20 swimmers who competed with great spirit and camaraderie. To finish our meet on such a high was great. Winners were Stephen Berting and Lindy Salter.
  • The smooth running of the meet was a highlight. While that efficiency reflected prior organization, it also reflects the commitment of all clubs, and the hard-working volunteers, and particularly the key coordinators in their roles. Special mention must go to the MSQ Officials Lori Chaplin, Liz Alfredsen, Heather and David Butler. In addition, my ‘behind-the-scenes’ IT team of the ever-calm and capable Jane Wilson, and MSQ Recorder Sam Brown. MSQ’s Business Manager, Christina Scolaro, as always, offers and gives advice and help when needed.

Thank Yous

  • A big thank you to all our Miami Masters set-up and pull-down volunteers. You bought a smile to my dial when, after the presentations, I walked back to the competition pool area to see all tents, chairs, tables, and boards cleaned up and put away. What a team!
  • The volunteer timekeepers, Miami Swimming Club Timing System guru and PA tech man, Paul Sawoniewski.
  • Starter and QMM member, Endurance 1000 full points swimmer, Gordon Southam.
  • The peerless Announcer, sport lover, and swimmer Ed Anderson. A key role that requires experience and a sharp mind.
  • The ‘Motley Crew’ marshals and check starters Lance Kunde and Warren Rowbotham.
  • QMM members who took on key roles and lead them beautifully, making my role as Meet Director so much easier:
    • Julie Stuart and Kathy Watt for watering and feeding officials. The officials love our Meet because they are treated so well.
    • Kevie Blair, Jacquie Willmott and Miria Bastock setting up and running the BBQ.
    • Lindy Brand, QMM Newsletter Editor, for working so hard on the raffles with her team.
    • Lindy Salter, current world masters swim champion, mother of seven and grandparent to many, for chasing so many raffle prizes and sponsors.
    • Peter Mitchell for watering officials, and behind-the-scenes tasks.
    • Margie Watts, Judy Grant and Claire Reaburn for assistance with presentations.
    • On-Deck Coach John Bonning for ensuring the warm-up starts worked and novice swimmer nerves were calmed!
    • QMM Club Captain, Ross Beaton and Coach John Bonning, for their diligence in coordinating and managing the Dash for Cash. Great job guys.
  • ‘Izzy’ Mathew Isbester and Jackie Bland and their team from Rackleys Swimming City Venue Management for working with Miami Masters so well leading up to and during the Meet.

Thanks also to both our Meet Naming Rights Sponsor Ally Zillman and her business Swim Tours Australia, and Verge Retirement Village and our major sponsors Hutchinson Builders, and Ray Stephens our local MP.

Feedback and Ideas for 2027 appreciated.

Peter Reaburn QMM Meet Director: preaburn55@gmail.com or Mob: 0408 760 757.

 

Results: