By Ian Jobling
Thirteen swimmers from Noosa Masters Club made Top Ten placings in 39 FINA events for the year 2020. FINA is the governing body for swimming internationally and only accepts results from sanctioned swim meets.
Jan Croft, coach of the Noosa Masters club, was ranked number one in the world in her age category – she was first in the 400, 800 and 1500 metres freestyle, and second in the 200m and third in the 100m Freestyle.Jan was considered for the Australian team for the 1960 Rome Games but she missed out because there was no event for her talents in long-distance swimming. Although she was Queensland and Australian 800m Freestyle champion several times, that event was not introduced for women until the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games.
Coach Jan said the performances of others from Noosa Masters were also notable. Steph Jones had seven events in the Top Ten, including three firsts. Jo Matthews had three in the top 10, including two firsts, one of which was the 200m Butterfly – a difficult and strenuous swim.Other swimmers and their respective numbers of Top Ten places in the world for 2020 are Rob Jolly (3), Annie Collins (2), Lois Hill (2), Brian Hoepper (1), Ross Kee (3), Helen Malar (2), Wendy Northdurft (3), Jennifer Watson (1), Greg Armitage (2) and Stephen Foot (1).
The 2021 President of the Club, Ian Tucker was delighted with the depth and range of strokes of the swimmers. Coach Jan Croft reiterated that even though 2020 was a ‘different year’ for swimmers throughout the world, ‘the efforts of those from Noosa Masters was outstanding.’
Jan told Noosa Today FINA’s Top Ten results in 2020 needed to be placed in context. Noosa club benefitted from being able to attend several major carnivals throughout Australia in the period January until the end of March. ‘Then Covid-19 affected other countries, especially those in the northern hemisphere who were just entering spring, from being able to swim in recognised swim meets.’
Jan said, ‘Masters’ swimmers in Europe, and especially North America, were greatly impacted. When you consider, however, strong swimming countries such as New Zealand, South Africa and countries in South America had their early months of summer to compete, the Noosa Club performed exceptionally well.’
The success of Noosa Masters members is not a surprise as some swimmers have featured in the FINA ‘Top Ten’ in previous years: Jan Croft, Stephane Jones and Lois Hill are consistent performers.
Jan concluded the interview stating ‘it was a great effort and highlights the strength of the club and the executive. Jan did not mention the diligence, patience and expertise of the coach – but many of the thirteen FINA ‘Top Ten’ did.
