South Gippsland Bass swimmers compete at State Opens

IT WAS a quick turnaround for some the SGB swimmers, with just a few days off before racing at the Victorian State Open Championships at MSAC this weekend. The Open section and the 12-year-olds competed over the weekend, with swimmers keen to continue the club’s success at last weekend’s Country Short Course Championships.

It was a small but passionate group of swimmers competing, with the remaining SGB swimmers to compete September 2-3 at the Victorian Age Championships in two weeks’ time.

The 12-year-old team consisted of Bec Barclay, Rex Brocklesby, Isabel Croatto, Nyah Chapman, Maggie Fisher, Holly Hurst, Amalia Lofgren and Isabella Lynch, with Sophie McKenzie and Molly Dettbarn swimming in the open events.

The 12-year-olds had the opportunity to experience the excitement of sharing the pool deck with the best open age swimmers in the state.

The swimmers were really pleased to have the opportunity to swim at the state event, where entry times are quite challenging, sometimes with only 16 swimmers from across the state qualifying for an event.

Three of the SGB swimmers experienced the added excitement of receiving their first state swim cap. Holly Hurst qualified for finals in the 200m and 100m backstroke, finishing 8th in the 200m.

Coaches Dylan and Caiden were on deck, guiding swimmers through the event.

“The times to qualify have been tough, so it’s been great to see so many 12-year-old swimmers here competing,” Dylan said.

“It’s been a tough turnaround a week after countries and to see them swimming close to and achieving PBs has been wonderful. It’s been good to see the girls all supporting each other, warming up together and hanging out and keeping each other relaxed for their races.”