EIGHT members of the Glasshouse Masters Swim Team have returned from the Masters Swimming Australia National Championships with an impressive 17 medals and a host of personal best performances after competing at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
Hosted by Masters Swimming Queensland, the five-day championship attracted competitors from across the country and marked the 50th anniversary of Masters Swimming Australia.
The Glasshouse team, whose members ranged in age from 18 to 70, competed in a packed schedule of individual and relay events, with swimmers describing the championships as both rewarding and memorable.
Team member Lene said winning her first Australian title in the 25m butterfly was a career highlight.
“Has to be my first Australian title in the 25 fly, even though it wasn’t executed as I would’ve liked,” she said. Aiden said finally achieving a long-targeted time in the 25m butterfly stood out among his performances. “11.85 in my 25m butterfly,” he said. “It only got me bronze, but the race was put together perfectly. It was a target time I had been chasing for a while.”
Kieran reflected on returning to a level he had not reached in years.
“Winning silver in the 100m free with a time I haven’t swum in 10 years,” he said. Wayne said the relay events created some of the championships’ most enjoyable moments.
“Swimming with the boys in the 25m relay and doing a 13.75 time and getting a medal in that event was a great experience,” he said. Rosie celebrated winning her first Masters medal in an unfamiliar event, while Luke recorded lifetime personal bests in every race just five months after a full hip replacement surgery.
First-time national competitor Ange said racing the 25m butterfly was a personal milestone, while Kylie said contributing to the bronze medal-winning mixed freestyle relay was among her highlights.
Team members also praised organisers and volunteers for delivering a successful and supportive championship filled with camaraderie in and out of the pool throughout the entire event.
