With Commonwealth Games Trials just around the corner the focus is, understandably, on the swimmers and who will make the team. However there are some unsung Victorian heroes Harold Gusdorf, Jacqueline Madden and Damian Van de Berg who have already been selected to officiate at the Games.
They will also be officiating at the upcoming Trials, which kick off on 28 February, where they will be joined by fellow Official, Peter Tindale.
Harold, Jacqueline and Damian are no strangers to officiating on the international stage, but this will be their first time officiating at a major event such as the Commonwealth Games. [Insert a sentence about this capping off a big 12 months for DVB – SV Life Member and SAL Official of the year I think. Probably also need a sentence about JM as well to be fair.]
For self-proclaimed quiet achiever, Harold, his involvement in swimming has spanned over fourty years with highlights including officiating at the 2014 Pan Pacific and Oceania Championships and countless National and State Championships.
His commitment to swimming is not limited to pool deck. As District Referee for Metro South and a member of Swimming Victoria’s Technical and Officials Development Committee, he plays an active role in developing officiating throughout Victoria. Having risen through the ranks from an early age, he is very passionate about helping and encouraging Officials to reach their potential.
He describes his selection as an honour and privilege. "I am quite humbled, knowing that I am one in the many tens of thousands of volunteers working together as a team, to support the athletes in their respective sports, to make the Games a success" said Gusdorf.
Our congratulations to Harold, Jacqueline and Damian who are all fine ambassadors for our sport and we wish them all the very best for the Commonwealth Games and beyond!
For information about the 2018 Hancock Prospecting Australian Swimming Trials click here.
