By TONY FROST
RIGHTFULLY dubbed the world’s largest Masters Games, the 2014 Pan Pacific Masters Games attracted over 14,500 enthusiasts to partake in the 42 sports and activities on offer.
The Noosa Masters Swim team, reduced to 23 through the late withdrawal of an injured Lois Hill, didn’t disappoint, securing 71 medals in the swimming events on offer.
Two Pan Pacific records went to Clinton Stanley in the 35-39 years butterfly and Jan Croft in the 70-74 years freestyle, bettering the previous records by 20 and eight seconds respectively.
Gold medals also to Helen Malar (60-64 years), Dyanna Benny (60-64 years), Stephanie Jones (55-59 years), Joyce Faunce (90-94 years), Ian Tucker (55-59 years) and Bob Morse (65-69 years).
Bob showed a clean pair of heels to his backstroke opposition, winning the 50, 100 and 200 backstroke events in his age group.
Silver and bronze medals to: Julia Dunstall (35-39 years), Grindle Rudder (40-44 years), Jane Powell (55-59 years), Mary Lester (60-64 years), Jacky Shields (60-64 years), Wendy Twidale (60-64 years), Studley Martin (50-54 years), Mark Powell (55-59 years), Brian Hoepper (65-69 years) and Rob Jolly (65-69 years).
Club co-captian Helen Malar praised the efforts of the team.
“A great team effort, especially our relays, where no fewer than 13 members were part of winning silver medals in all five relays contested,” she said.
Several Noosa swimmers will be backing up this Saturday’s Aqualicious swim meet at the Centenary Pool, Brisbane.
