IT WAS a jam-packed weekend for the SGB team as they headed to Bendigo for the 2025 Country Short Course Championships.
Fifty-nine swimmers achieved qualifying times to compete, making SGB the third biggest team at the meet, and the purple caps of SGB were frequently seen heading up and down the pool. Swimmers ranged from under-11s to the open section, competing in a variety of distances and strokes.
There is always excitement on day one as the swimmers competing in their first countries were presented with their country caps to wear for the first time at the morning Team Meeting.
Racing kicked off early Saturday morning, continuing through the day and finishing with relays. The crew were back early on Sunday again with a full day. The meet, with 636 swimmers from clubs right across regional Victoria, was a busy one with many families from throughout the state descending for the weekend.
SGB featured regularly on the podium, as well as in the top eight. The event was hosted by Bendigo Swimming at the Guru Wanyarra Centre at Kangaroo Flat.
Many families enjoyed the weekend away, making the most of the trip and enjoying the local sights. The event generates over $1million into the local economy, a great boost to the area.
It was an invaluable experience for many, with coaches giving feedback to swimmers for them to take on and work on before the State Short Course Age Championships next month.
Coach Dylan, “The club has swum magnificently. We have had a lot of people put in; it’s a real team effort, and they have dug deep and put in when it’s needed. For the swimmers, it seems that the event is as much about being able to catch up and hang out as it is about swimming. It means they are nice and relaxed, and their friends are all there cheering loudly for them on the sidelines.”
Coach Sam, “I’d say it’s been a very successful meet, we’ve had a lot of PBs and a handful of state times. All the hard work these kids have put in during training has paid off.”
Coach Lori. “I always love seeing the kids who I first had learning how to tumble turn that have worked their way through junior development squads to racing here on the big stage for the first time. They were amazing. They know that just being here is the first step, and I look forward to seeing them continue on this racing journey.”
“The other highlight has been seeing the two multi-class relay teams we have competing. There are not always as many opportunities for them, so it’s wonderful that they are getting a chance to compete in these ways.”
