“No holding back ever,“ is how Noosa Summer Swim 5km race winner Thomas Raymond of Peregian Beach described his approach after completing the swim on Sunday in a time of 48.04 minutes.
“Why hold back? No matter where you are, no matter what race you’re doing, if it’s a race you put in 100 per cent,“ said the elite swimmer.
Thomas swam in the elite group leading the 5km ocean swim, joined by hundreds of male and female swimmers of various ages and abilities as thousands cheered them on from the beach.
His advice to newcomers was to try and swim as straight as possible. “You don’t want to be swimming any further than you have to. Make sure you have the direction,“ he said.
As he aims for the 10km ocean swim at the next Olympics, Thomas will next compete in two upcoming 10km World Cup ocean swims in Ibiza, Spain, then Golfo Aranchi, Italy, to qualify for the Pan Pacifics.
Coming in a close second to Thomas was elite swimmer Nolan Carrell (49.32 minutes) who “enjoyed“ his first experience of the Noosa’s Summer Swim. He was followed by third place getter Dylan Murphy (49.51 minutes).
The women were hot on their heels. Year 12 student Holly Flemming was first across the line in a time of 54.32 minutes.
Holly admitted as a pool swimmer she found the open water “a bit choppy“ but loved “the feeling of achievement“, and the event.
“Here at Noosa, it’s the best venue here,“ she said.
Also an elite swimmer, Holly was looking ahead to competing in 800m and 1500m at the nationals and in school competitions.
Emily Broun (54.57 minutes) came second and was also heading for the nationals. Sophie Jansen was third (56.59 minutes).
The kids were excited to be part of the event and followed the 5km race, some accompanied by their parents. Among them in the crowd was Nick Ffrost, a member of the Olympic 4x200m relay team that won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. On Sunday, Nick was swimming alongside his son Harry, eight, and daughter Maisie, 11.
More than 2500 swimmers took part in the Noosa Summer Swim which has grown into one of Australia’s most iconic open water swimming events.
In spectacular summer weather and in front of a crowded beach participants competed in a range of events including 1km, 2km, 3km and the Junior Giants 300m races.
Swimmers of all levels took to the water, from eager first-timers to elite athletes and current Australian team members.
“We’re here for a social and a good time. We’re all about enjoying our experience,“ the MC told the race goers.
“We are here for the everyday mum, dad, brother, sister, punter, weekend warriors.
“That’s what it’s all about here at Noosa Summer Swim, the opportunity to come down to one of the most beautiful locations around the world and swim.“
