A record number of 240 swimmers participated with 61 from the Allora Swim Club with this being the first swimming carnival for some of the younger swimmers.

The event drew swimmers from Cunnamulla to Toowoomba and everywhere in between representing a total of 18 clubs.

Also in attendance were clubs from the Western Downs that have been impacted by bushfires in the past month.

In a show of support, the Allora Club used this event as a way of fundraising for these affected communities and $500 was raised.

Of the nearly 200 races held on the day there were many records broken and personal bests achieved.

Among these were Allora Swim Club members Alyssa White, who broke her own record in the girls 15 and over 50m butterfly, Paige Priebbenow, who set a new record in the 11yrs girls 50m backstroke, and Maeve Moore, who broke both the 11yrs girls 50m breastroke and 50m freestyle records.

Allora Pool Leasee Andrew Fidge said “the quality of swimming talent coming through the Club and the Downs in general continues to impress.

It’s wonderful to see young swimmers developing their skills and enjoying the sport.

The Seamus Ryan Memorial Breaststroke Sprint is becoming a highlight of the program in its third year, an event created in the memory of past Allora Swim Club member, Seamus Ryan.

The atmosphere was electric during both races as each swimmer had their times handicapped to equalize the field.

The finishes were extremely close with Mannat Pandher from The Glennie Swim Club winning the girls race and Oliver McAuley from Inglewood Swim Club winning the boys.

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 8 November 2023.