Societies thrive on inspirational achievements. Witness the lauding of the youthful Matildas. But when inspiration is sparked by the seriously older, it can be special indeed.
Last Saturday, Noosa Masters annual swim meet made that point in emphatic fashion.
Two of the most senior swimmers at the meet shook up the record books in that most technical of styles, backstroke. George Green (80) swam the 50, 100 and 200 metre events in the times of 44.43, 1:36.79 and 3:35.43 respectively. In a clean sweep, he broke the state and national records in his age group for all three distances.
China Johnson (95) swam the same events, clocking 1:09.70, 2:43.70 and 6:01.85. All three were new state records, and the 200m time was also a new national record. Both George and China have long featured in the record books, and are admired for the generosity of spirit that marks their champion status.
George and China are almost locals, swimming for Sunshine Coast and Cotton Tree clubs respectively. Their victories at the Noosa meet, coupled with last week’s story about a three-record haul by Noosa’s own Ian Robinson, affirm the strength of masters swimming on the coast. This year, a new club on the Sunshine Coast – Beerwah Masters – brought an impressive team of six to Noosa for the first time.
For swimmers further afield, Noosa’s renowned sunshine seems to be an added attraction. Three Melbourne clubs sent swimmers north to swell the numbers last Saturday.
Increasingly, younger people are joining masters’ clubs. At the Noosa meet there were 21 swimmers aged between 24 and 40. All piled on points for their clubs. The trophy for the large club with highest average points was won by Sunshine Coast Masters, and for the smaller club by River City Masters (Brisbane).
At the awards ceremony, there were smiles all round when Susanne Milenkevich, Masters Swimming Queensland president, described the special vibe of Noosa’s annual meet.
