By Casey O'Connor
Queensland’s fastest swimmers took the blocks recently in the 2022 Ronald McDonald House Charities, Queensland Sprint Championships at Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
The meet was open to swimmers registered with Swimming Queensland who met the comepitition criteria and qualifying time. Nine qualifying swimmers (one male and eight females) from the Stanthorpe Swimming Club took their places.
Isabella Jackson, Brianna Anderson, Levi Fittock, Ellice Gow, Zoe Petrie, Georgina Lester, Jessica Pradella, Lillian Kendall and Ava Lester proudly donned the Stanthorpe aqua caps.
It was exciting times for some of the kids (and families) as this was their first state meet and a great experience.
Unlike many competitors at this level who train all year round, the swimming season in Stanthorpe only runs from the September school holidays until Easter, therefore training schedules for Stanthorpe swimmers are short. Despite this the Stanthorpe swimmers let their competitors know they were there and made their mark.
The 50m short course included heats and finals in the Open events, 11yr to 18yr group and times and finals for the 10yr age group. There were also heats and finals in multi class events. In all 80 events in four sessions over the weekend.
The Stanthorpe group swam in 24 events. At the end of the meet the Stanthorpe swimmers had recorded 14 PB’s.
Stanthorpe coach, Gail Smail was on pool deck to meet the swimmers before and after their races and said, “The kids are there to soak up the atmosphere and it’s a reward for all their hard work so far.
“To enjoy swimming at the Queensland States, they deserve to be there as much as anyone else.”
President of the Stanthorpe Swim Club, Brendan Kay congratulated the nine swimmers and thanked their parents for their support. He also thanked Gail Smail for her continued support and guidance to the swimmers and club.
Last Friday night (18/2), the club held the Elaine Goebel Relay in memory of the late Elaine Goebel, a long-time supporter of the swimming club. Teams of all ages nominated to race in either 50m or 25m. The goal for each team is to keep as close as possible to their first relay time recorded with the winning team not announced until the club’s presentation day.
Last Sunday Stanthorpe swimmers travelled to the Pittsworth Swimming Club.
It was a successful trip for 12-year- old Georgina Lester who won age champion finishing with three gold and two silver medals at the meet. She also set a new pool record for the 100m breaststroke. Teammate Ellice Gow was also successful winning two gold and one silver medal.
A reminder that the Stanthorpe Swim Club Presentation day is scheduled for 27 March.
