Short Course racing returns to Splash

LEONGATHA Splash hosted the first Short Course meet of Gippsland for 2023 on Sunday, June 11.

The first competition of the season saw 200 swimmers, including 70 South Gippsland Bass (SGB) swimmers, more than 70 from Melbourne and the rest from Gippsland, raced over a variety of distances at the pool. 

The popularity of the event meant the club had to close entries a fortnight early. 

It was a new experience for the younger local swimmers who started this year, as it was their first racing experience and judging by the smiles, it certainly wont be their last. 
For many of the swimmers, it was their first short course for the year. 

Short course races are in a 25m pool, meaning a lot more laps are swum. 

Many of the SGB swimmers were thrilled to see how much they knocked off their times from last winter, sometimes by up to 15 seconds.

With two major Championship events coming up in August, it was a chance for many to see how close they are to qualifying times, with a number of swimmers coming away with swims that will see them part of the SGB team going to the event.

The swimmers were well supported on the day, as the facility was packed with spectators. 

The event is also a major fundraiser for the club, with raffles and a barbecue helping raises funds that will help the club cover running costs and help send coaches and teams to the championships.
Head coach Dylan Muir was pleased with the day. 

“The meet kick starts our racing season, and begins the build up to Vic Country Champs and Vic Age champs in August,”  he said.

“Today will allow us to see where each swimmer is currently at in the early phase of their training and allows swimmers to try new events that will be their focus this season. It is also a fantastic meet for our new swimmers. Being able to compete in their home environment, surrounded by a big SGB team always makes the first time a more memorable and relaxed experience”.