Masters Swimming SA June Update

Welcome to the update for Masters Swimming South Australia. Our pool swims have commenced with the Long Course State Cup and Interclub 1 completed. The National Championships in Melbourne also squeezed in the middle of these. The State AGM was also held on the 16 May 2016. Thank you to those who attended and also the Executive, Officers and Club Delegates who continue to give freely of their time. Positions are as follows for 2016/2017: President – Tom Bland, Metro Vice President – Phillip Beames, Treasurer – Robert Ferguson, Secretary – Penni O’Shea, Fitness & Coaching Director – Robyn Brown, Open Water Swim Director – Ian Young, Swim Meet Director – Melissa Beames, Technical Director – Phillip Beames, Recorder – Leanne Beames, Public Officer – Russell Wood and Member Protection Officer – Frank Lindsay. Our former President, Robert Harris, introduced our new President, Tom Bland, to all the swimmers present at Interclub 1 on Sunday 23 May 2016. Robert Harris had been President for the past 5 years during which time the organisation became very active and progressive. On behalf of the Branch and Swimmers, we thank Robert for his effort as President over this period. Hope everyone makes Tom feel welcome and assists him in making his own path as President in the coming year!

2016 Long Course State Cup

The 2016 Long Course State Cup was swum at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, North Adelaide on 3 April 2016 due to other events happening at the SA State Aquatic & Leisure Centre. This meant no electronic timing, back to stop watches! National Records were set by Joanne Sutcliffe from Henley Beach Masters in 200m Backstroke (2:51.57) and 400m Backstroke (5:56.59) along with Maryanne Heffernan from Marion Masters in 400m Freestyle (5:32.63 ). This was Maryanne’s first ever National Record! A number of swimmers also broke SA State Records – Stephanie Palmer-White, Joanne Sutcliffe, Maryanne Heffernan, Leonie O’Connell, Deborah Wareing, Eithne Mayton, Grant Simpson and Tubby Ramsay.

Tea Tree Gully finished first with 424 points, Marion Masters second with 395 points, followed by Aquadome Otters with 343 points.

Thank you to the Technical Crew and all the volunteers that make these events possible.

2016 National Championships

We were pleased to see about 30 of our members ventured to Melbourne for the 41st Nationals in April either as swimmers or officials on pool deck. It was a great atmosphere starting with the dancers who opened the event.

Three of our swimmers came away with National Records – Joanne Sutcliffe (SHB) in 200m Backstroke (2:50.61), Mark Smedley (SAM) in 200m Breaststroke (2:51.19), 200m Individual Medley (2:29.89), 400m Individual Medley (5:28.64) and Grant Simpson (SHB) in 100m Butterfly (1:11.30).

Many swimmers broke State Records – Julie Astley, Joanne Sutcliffe, Deborah Wareing, Mark Smedley, Grant Simpson and Tubby Ramsay.

2016 Interclub Series

The 2016 Interclub Series kicked off on the 22 May 2016. Whilst many swimmers achieved their personal bests, one swimmer also recorded a National Record – Maryanne Heffernan from Marion Masters in 200m Freestyle (2:37.96). SA State Records were also achieved by – Sandra Mutze, Stephanie Palmer-White, Maryanne Heffernan, Leonie O’Connell, Diane Ross and Mark Smedley.

Atlantis currently lead the Series with 817 points after the first meet, but Adelaide Masters are clutching at their toes with 800.

Interclub 2 will be held on Sunday, 26 June, Interclub 3 on Sunday, 31 July and the last on Sunday, 21 August. Enter today to support your club.

Vale John Double 1932-2016

A much respected and loved character from Atlantis Masters Swimming Club, John Double passed away quietly on Thursday 2 June supported by his wife Sue while battling a lung condition. John had been a long time member of Atlantis for over twenty years. After suffering a stroke in 2011, John with grim determination and training returned to Interclub Competition and Open Water Swims where he completed the 2015 Jetty to Jetty, a swim he first competed in in 1996. John will be sadly missed not only for his competitive spirit but in his support for the club in many areas. The Branch extends its deepest sympathies to Sue at this sad time.