After a hugely successful Championships in January, we returned to Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre for the 2023 Victorian Country Short Course Championships from 12-13 August.
Since the Ovens & Murray District last hosted this event in 2018, the centre has received a major upgrade including the addition of a 50m outdoor pool, which provided ideal space for swimmers to warm up and cool down.
Bendigo East’s Henry Allan was on fire. He had a standout performance in the Boys 14-15 Years 100m Backstroke, breaking the Victorian Country Short Course Record with his time of 57.55. He went on to win another 4 Gold medals, 1 Silver and a Bronze. An impressive haul for the 15 year old.
Geelong’s Briscoe sisters put on a show, with Nicole Briscoe claiming an incredible 9 Gold and 3 Silver medals. Hot on her heels was younger sister Brooke Briscoe who took home 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. The sisters battled it out to go 1st and 2nd in both the Women’s 400m Freestyle and the Women’s 400m IM, with Nicole finishing on top.
Relays are always an exciting part of the program, and this year was no exception with the inclusion of a Mixed Para & Able Bodied 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay for the first time ever at these Championships. Congratulations to Nyah Two Bays/Swan Hill for taking out the inaugural event.
Geelong Swimming Club once again proved themselves as the country club to beat, taking home the Robert (Bob) Carmichael Memorial Trophy. Geelong finished with a combined aggregate points score of 2148 ahead of Traralgon (1816), South Gippsland Bass (1111), Ballarat Gold (919) and Warrnambool (654).
Things got a bit crazy on day 2 with all participants encouraged to wear crazy socks to raise funds for bowel cancer in support of one of our amazing technical officials. $280 was raised in gold coin donations. We thank Kangaroo Flat Swimming Club for this initiative.
For full results click here.
Swimming Victoria extends a huge thank you to the Ovens & Murray District Swimming Association and all its volunteers for hosting this wonderful event.
