Gippsland Swimming undefeated since 1993

A TEAM of 83 Gippsland Swimmers once again claimed the title of Country Junior District Champions at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Saturday, November 5.

In the history of the competition, Gippsland was the champion district at the previously named Country 7-10 Competition from 1978-1988, winning the trophy eleven times. From 1989, the trophy was won by Ovens & Murray District for the next 4 years. Gippsland reclaimed the title in 1993 and has held onto it since.

This year’s team consisted of 33 swimmers from South Gippsland Bass Swimming Club, nine swimmers from Warragul Swimming Club, 10 swimmers from Sale, 22 swimmers from Traralgon, four swimmers from East Gippsland Water Dragons, four swimmers from Moe, and one swimmer from Morwell Swimming Club. 

At the conclusion of the day, Gippsland were declared the overall champions with a total of 1302 points, ahead of rival Ovens and Murray on 1100 points.

Throughout the meet, the swimmers won eight individual events, placed second in four individual events, and placed third in fourteen events. The team also won five relay events, placed second in four relay events, and third in two relays.

Gippsland was led by captains Max Auteri and Chloe Szkwarek (Traralgon). Coaches for the day were Caiden Gill (South Gippsland), Lorrianne Mckenzie (South Gippsland), and Penny Georgeson (Traralgon). Team Managers were Simon Turnbull and Miriam Ripper (Sale).

Placegetters for the day were:
11-Year Old Girls: Rebecca Barclay (South Gippsland): 3rd 50m Backstroke; Gemma Cook (South Gippsland): 3rd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 50m Freestyle; Adelaide Ripper (Sale): 2nd 50m Breaststroke; Chloe Szkwarek (Traralgon): 1st 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 50m Freestyle.
11-Year-Old Boys: Max Auteri (Traralgon): 3rd 50m Backstroke; Rex Brocklesby (South Gippsland): 1st 50m Butterfly, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Freestyle; Harry Kurrle (Traralgon): 3rd 50m Butterfly.
10-Year-Old Boys: Archie Smyth (South Gippsland): 1st 50m Backstroke, 1st 50m Freestyle; Jayden Tran (Morwell): 1st 50m Butterfly, 3rd 50m Breaststroke; Max Williamson (Sale): 1st 50m Breaststroke.
9-Year-Old Boys: Logan Gibson (Warragul): 3rd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 50m Freestyle; Ethan Lynch (South Gippsland): 3rd 50m Breaststroke.