The Victorian country swimming community were reunited over the weekend for the 2022 Victorian Country LC Championships in Mildura, and it was great to be back!
The conditions were hot, but that didn’t get in the way of the wonderful atmosphere and celebration of country swimming that we all love about these Championships.
It wasn’t just the action in the pool getting the crowd excited, a rendition of the “Nutbush” provided one of the highlights of the meet, with everyone getting involved, including some swimmers on the blocks!
It was a tight battle for the top spot in the club point score with Geelong Swimming Club (1994) finishing ahead of Traralgon Swimming Club (1882), breaking their 22 year streak, and taking home the Alan Monaghan Shield. Ballarat Gold (1311), Bendigo East (990) and South Gippsland Bass (950) rounded out the top 5. For team scores click here.
A number of other awards were presented at the event. Congratulations to the following winners:
Australia Day Medallion
Awarded for the best male and female performances, based on the highest FINA point score.
Zander Coates, GT Aquatic
Isabella Symons, Bendigo East Swimming Club
Australia Day Perpetual Trophy
Awarded to the club that scores the highest aggregate point score on Australia Day, or on the day that Australia Day is celebrated at the Championships.
Geelong Swimming Club
Bruce Carter Trophy
Awarded for the best performance by a 14/O Victorian competitor based on the highest aggregate points.
Nicole Briscoe, Geelong Swimming Club
Rob Godfrey Memorial Trophy
Awarded for the best performance by a 13/U competitor based on the highest aggregate points in 13/U events.
Zoe Schnyder, Ballarat Gold Swimming Club
Herb Jeffrey Award
For outstanding service to country swimming for a period in excess of 20 years.
Diana Lyons
For full results click here.
Mildura Swimming Club’s Josh Barila was thrilled with the success of the Championships.
“Being the first time a Country Championships was hosted by one individual club rather than a district, we had a team of over 30 volunteers, which lead the Championships to becoming a success. Being a small regional club has it challenges, however the way all of our club including parents and swimmers banded together over the weekend was absolutely incredible to see” he said.
Well done to Josh and the team and a huge thank you to Mildura Swimming Club, Mildura Rural City Council, Mildura Waves Aquatic and Leisure Centre, the Victorian Government and everyone involved for a fantastic Country Championships!
We now look forward to the 2022 Victorian Qualifying Competition from 12-13 February. For more information click here.
