Saturday 11 March 2023 saw Allora Amateur Swimming Club Inc. hold their annual Club Championships, which marked the end of the Club season. There were doubts as to whether the day could proceed given the forecasted rain, however the weather Gods were with us, and the rain held off for the proceedings.
It was an action-packed day in the pool enjoyed immensely by both swimmers and spectators. It was great to see and hear swimmers cheering on their mates in the pool. There were 25 records broken as well as 5 new records created. Bailey Harm had an exceptional day in the pool breaking the record in all 10 events that he swam in. Records broken by Bailey of particular note were the Open Mens 200m breaststroke where Bailey broke the record by almost 20 seconds and the Open Mens 200m backstroke where Bailey broke the record by over 40 seconds.
Aiden Brown broke 3 records in the multiclass category and created 5 new records in this category also.
The longest standing record broken was in the girls Under 8 years age group with Sylvie Moore breaking the 50m backstroke record previously set by Melissa Willet in 1993.
Trophies were awarded to age champion and runner up age champion in each age group as well as personal best trophies for the highest number of personal best times achieved throughout the season.
A new trophy was introduced this year in memory of former Allora Swimming Club member Nicky Haig. Nicky was an energetic and enthusiastic member of Club who enjoyed Club nights and the social opportunities it offered to the full. The Nicky Haig Memorial Trophy is awarded to the Club member who embodies the spirit and essence Allora Swimming Club of enjoyment, participation and encouragement of others. The shield was presented by Nicky’s parents, Tony and Kerry Haig, to the inaugural winner, Ella Hutchison.
Country Coach Of The Year – Andrew Fidge. The Allora Swimming Club extends a huge thank you and congratulations to Fidgey for all he does for our squad swimmers.
We wish all swimmers competing at the Australian Age Championships in April the very best of luck. We hope everyone enjoys the ‘off season’ and we look forward to seeing you all back in the pool for the 2023/2024 season.
See all the photos in the issue.
This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 5 April 2023.
