The 2024 Victorian Open Water Championships on Saturday 21 December brought perfect conditions to Geelong’s Eastern Beach. With sunny skies and 18-degree water, it was a far cry from last year’s rainy weather, and the event buzzed with excitement as over 500 swimmers took to the water.
The Championships attracted swimmers and spectators from all over Victoria and beyond, with some competitors even traveling from Queensland to take part. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout, highlighting the growing appeal of open water swimming.
The day started with the 500m swim, a race that welcomed many first-timers to the world of open water events. After the race, commentator Kahlia Marsh spoke with some participants, who shared how much they enjoyed the experience and expressed excitement to continue their open water journey.
Australian Olympian Nick Sloman (Melbourne Vicentre) added star power to the event, competing in the Men’s 7.5km race. Fresh from representing Australia in the Men’s 10km Marathon Swimming event at the Paris Olympic Games, Nick’s performance inspired both swimmers and spectators alike.
The Masters Swimming Victoria 2.5km Championship Race was another standout feature of the day. With over 70 competitors ranging from seasoned open water swimmers to those tackling the distance for the first time, the event showcased the camaraderie and determination of the Masters swimming community.
A huge thank you goes to Grant from the Rip Swim and the Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club for their work in ensuring safety on the water, as well as the Geelong City Council for their continued support in hosting this fantastic event.
Congratulations to everyone who took part – whether it was your first open water swim, a 10km achievement, or the pursuit of a personal best, you made the 2024 Victorian Open Water Championships an unforgettable day!
View the full results HERE
