Almost 200 swimmers make a splash in Leongatha

THE Summer Swim season spun into action recently at Leongatha Splash with South Gippsland Bass hosting the first GSI of the season. 

Space around the pool was full, overflowing into the basketball courts, with 180 swimmers of all ages from right across Gippsland competing. 

Events ranged from the under 8s in their first 25m event, to the teenagers swimming 200m events to qualify for Nationals and several adults qualifying for the Gippsland Championships.

The Gippsland Swimming Incorporation (GSI) events make up an important part of the calendar. Many swimmers are also trying to swim times to qualify at upcoming national, state and country events. 

There was a lot of success on the day with several SGB competitors qualifying for these big events.

For many SGB swimmers who joined over winter, this was their first chance to race and see the benefits of their training. 

Dylan head coach was very pleased with the results.

“It is great to have the first GSI meet of the season in our area and have it so well supported by our club with 115 SGB swimmers competing,” he said. 

“It is important for us to have meets in South Gippsland, as we want to minimise the travel for our families and make swimming an attractive sport for people in the community. The more accessible we can make meets to our families, the easier and more plausible it is for them to get involved.”

“There are 10 GSI meets in Gippsland this season, with three meets needed to qualify for the 3 day Gippsland Championships in February.

“We hope to have 140 plus swimmers qualified for the championship this year. 

“A feat that would surpass our biggest team considerably, and possibly be the biggest team by any club in Gippsland Championship history. “

“We also had a number of swimmers qualify for the Victorian Country Championships at Wangaratta, which is fantastic as the club hopes to continue to be in the top five regional clubs again.”

Councillor Clare Williams came to visit the event and was amazed to see so many swimmers warming up in the pool and ready to compete. 

Club officials spoke to her about the need for a heated 50m pool, as they had to cap numbers for the event due to capacity in the venue.