Masters swimming carnival

Ettalong Masters Swimming Club held a carnival on Saturday, May 11, at the Peninsula Leisure Centre which saw 220 swimmers from 35 clubs compete in races from 25m to 200m.

Clubs represented at the carnival were from Canberra, the Blue Mountains, Port Macquarie, Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley.

The Novocastrian Swimming Club won the point score while Ettalong finished fourth, its best result in four years.

During the carnival, three Fina Masters world records were set by 55-year-old Jenny Whiteley from Ryde Masters Swimming Club in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke.

She also set a National record in the 25m butterfly.

"In total, 14 new records were set for Australian and NSW times, showing that the Peninsula Leisure Centre is regarded as a fast pool and popular with Masters swimmers," said Ettalong Pelican Masters Swim Club publicity officer Ms Marion Dreyer.

"The presence of qualified officials from many of the clubs ensured that the meet went smoothly.

"From Ettalong Masters we have two new female swimmers, 30-year-old Kristen O'Brien who won all her four races in incredible times and 56-year-old Julie-Anne West who also won all her four races in impressive times.

"They both won their respective age group points score.

"Let's not forget the other 12 members who swam some great personal bests with Bill Cook, Russell Thompson, Opal Eddy and Scott Smith all coming third in their age groups.

"Ettalong Pelicans would like to thank the Peninsula Leisure Centre staff for their help and co-operation in the running of the meet.

"Masters swimming is for anyone aged between 18 and 100 plus, no matter what level of swimmer they are.

"Our youngest member is 21 and our oldest is Opal Eddy at the age of 87.

"So why not come and join us on Thursday nights at 7pm and enjoy some fun, fitness and friendship."

For more information, contact Gordon on 4369 3194 or Colleen on 4341 8756.

Email, 17 May 2013

Marion Dreyer, Ettalong Pelican Masters Swim Club