Report by Katrina Burgess
It was a fantastic afternoon on Sunday, 23 November 2014, with the temperature rising, to jump into the cool water and try out the new leisure centre at Gungahlin. Our ACT Interclub’s are such a wonderful opportunity to socialise with our like-minded swimming rivals, the Molonglo Water Dragons.
Many great swims and some not so great swims were accomplished during the afternoon with most competitors stating that they were happy getting some long course race practice for the start of the long course season.
Kristen Leydon’s Butterfly style and prowess caught our eye – finally she is coming back from her awful cycling injury a year ago, as did the efforts of Maria Castle in her 100m Freestyle. It was lovely to see Donna Campbell back from the PAN Pacs, were she achieved many PB’s, and returning from her cruise to compete with her holiday tan! Also noted was Tara Olsthoorn and her growing belly (due Australia Day) who is still competing, but not diving off the blocks.
New member Janelle Ahern also caught our eye with lovely swims and great times achieved in her backstroke events and also a big welcome to Jodie Burke who made her debut as a Viking for the first time as a second claim member, as well as doing her official duties. It was great to see Otto Benda another newbie Viking testing his skills in the Freestyle events.
Club Records that were broken on the day were:
Jon McRae: 60 — 64 years: 200m Backstroke
Max Van Gelder: 80 — 84 Years: 50m & 100m Freestyle
Caroline Makin: 45 — 49 Years: 100m & 200m Breaststroke
Jane Waddleton: 50 — 54 Years: 50m, 100m & 200m Breaststroke
Brenda Day: 65 — 69 Years: 100m & 200m Breaststroke
Other swimmers who completed for the Vikings included Ann Reid, Annette Britten, Bill Eversham, Leisa Cass, Jeanette Droop, Katrina Burgess, Liz Needham, Mandy Coggins, Nicolee Martin and Richard Flockart. After the competition the events of the afternoon were discussed and analysed over a few ales and good food at the George Harcourt Inn.
Thanks to all the wonderful helpers behind the scenes who helped make this valuable ACT Interclub meet run smoothly and successfully, including Annette Britten and Caroline Makin helping out Molonglo with the meet scheduling and program production and also those on the day that helped out – Audrey Stutsel at the marshalling table, Nick Dando and Annette Byron on the timekeeping stopwatches, Kade Burgess at the starting box and Peter Sharman on the recording table.
Full results (PDF) are available.
