By Hollie Harris
Noosa Masters Swimming Club has once again proven its metal, claiming a fourth straight victory in the National Masters Swimming Endurance 1000 Challenge.
This competition, more than any other in Masters swimming, tests the grit and determination of its competitors over the full course of the swimming calendar.
Participants can compete in all four major strokes over distances ranging from 400m to the gruelling one-hour challenge, attempting to beat the clock or hit the required distances in time.
It’s an event that requires mental fortitude, physical toughness and a love affair with a never-ending black line.
Noosa’s dominance in this event in recent years is a credit to the club and its members.
The camaraderie and support offered by the club, as well as an organised plan to work towards endurance targets has led to Noosa’s unprecedented record-breaking four win streak.
Endurance swimming is about being at one with the water.
It’s about having a plan for each swim and relaxing in the water.
Your breathing is your swimming barometer.
If it’s nice and steady and you’re feeling comfortable, then your swimming well.
It’s largely about pitting your mental strength against the physical requirements required.
Stroking into second place this year was Talays Swim Club in Tasmania, with a club from NSW, Campbelltown, touching in third. Both however were left in their wake.
Twenty-three outstanding athletes from their ranks also managed a top-ten national individual finish in their respective age-groups.
Let’s dive for five in 2017!
