A strong squad of 17 swimmers swam their hearts out at the NSW Masters Swimming’s 2026 Short Course Championships last weekend. We were the third-placed team in the State with a medal tally of 14 gold, 20 silver, and 10 bronze, behind winners Tuggeranong Vikings and second-placed team Blacktown. It was a terrific weekend of fun, excitement, and mutual support where all but one of our swimmers went home with medals.
We were the oldest team in the competition with an average age of 68+ years, but as a group we personified that old saying that “Age shall not Worry them” and we used our combined age and experience to our advantage. Our 13 relay teams included three who were unopposed in the 320-359 year age group and four 280-319 year teams, for a tally of 4 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze. Years can count more than seconds in masters swimming
Our secret weapon, our golden oldie, Geoff Llewellyn was an inspiration, shrugging off the burdens of carer fatigue and anxiety, and leading out our relay teams with courage and determination. Geoff personifies what masters swimming is all about, he’s no longer a speed demon, but he still rates in the World Top Ten in the 90-94 year age group.
We had extra responsibilities for this meet, including warm-up supervision and catering for officials, but everyone pulled together including Michael Crowley, Julianne’s non-swimming husband who stepped in to help, and Sue Paton’s daughters who delivered the food for the officials. Mary Liz brought some delicious homemade treats, and Marg Wade stepped up to collect and distribute our hoard of relay medals to fellow swimmers. Craig Allatt had an official role as check starter between swims, and most of us had a stint at timekeeping.
Thank you to all who answered the call and had a go. We went home feeling proud of ourselves and each other, and happy that we did so well. We hope to encourage more swimmers to share that joy and excitement and join us in future competitions.