Brian Hoepper
After a week of constant rain, last Saturday 6 April brought blue skies and brilliant sunshine to the Noosa Aquatic Centre, as Noosa Masters hosted their annual swim meet. 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the swim club, and also of Noosa Council’s splendid aquatic precinct.
One hundred and twenty-two swimmers from 24 clubs – along with a warmly welcomed visitor from Canada – produced a highly competitive day of racing. Three outstanding swimmers broke five state records: Tracy Clarkson (Brisbane Northside) and Jen Thomasson (Cotton Tree) with two apiece, and Matthew Wright (Albany Creek).
Masters swimming is for (almost) every age. At the Noosa meet, the youngest competitor was 25 and the eldest 85. Interestingly, there were 17 swimmers under 40, and 35 over the age of 70. All races were hard-fought, but the fiercest contest of the day was the men’s 50 metres freestyle; the fasted heat saw eight remarkable swimmers finish with split seconds between them. Alexander Tedman (Aqualicious) prevailed with a stunning 25.71 secs.
Trophies were awarded based on the average points gained by the swimmers in each club. The trophy for the larger clubs, with eight swimmers or more, was won by Beerwah Masters – a new, rapidly developing club – while Brisbane Northside took home the trophy for a smaller club.
Like the many local sporting carnivals, Noosa Masters’ successful meet depended on generous sponsors and the cheerful supervision by Masters Swimming Queensland officials.
The day had begun on a welcome note. State member for Noosa Sandy Bolton, officially opening the event, confirmed that Noosa Masters had received a grant to purchase the sophisticated Meet Manager computer program, designed to stop club captains tearing their hair out in frustration when organising a swim meet. The day also ended happily, with competitors and supporters sharing a barbecue while trophies were collected and individual medals presented. The rain came back that night!
