MEDIA RELEASE

SWIMMING VICTORIA COUNTRY SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS in PORTLAND
Friday 25th January to Sunday 27th January, 2008

 A strong contingent of 44 swimmers from the Geelong Swimming Club competed at the SV Country Swimming Championships in Portland last weekend.

The club had a very successful weekend winning 39 medals, 14 gold, 18 silver and 7 bronze in both individual and 13 relay events. This was a huge improvement on 2007 when the club won 16 medals.  This is a credit to the development program that the club has implemented

The club finished third in the Club Aggregate behind Traralgon and Kings Mornington

Coach John Beckworth said “The most pleasing part of the swimmers performance was their ability to keep qualifying for finals, maintain their speed over the three days and the fantastic team spirit.”

Stephanie Taylor had an exceptional meet winning  two  Gold medals in the  Female 16-17 years  100 Backstroke and the Female 16-17 years 200 Individual Medley, and silver medals in the Girls 16-17 years 100 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, Open 100 Backstroke and Open 200 Freestyle. She also backed up with a bronze medal in the Open 200 Backstroke.

Team mate Olivia Dalton won a Gold medal in the Open 200 Breaststroke, two silver medals in the Female 16-17 years 200IM, and the 100 Breaststroke and a bronze medal in the Open 100 Breaststroke.

Jess Mackay continued her very good State Championship form to win a Gold medal in the Female 14-15 years 100 Breaststroke as did Brock Norwood who won a Gold medal in the Male 14-15 years 100 Breaststroke.

Senior swimmer, Jarrod King swam in five finals and performed beyond expectations. He won a Sliver medal in the Male 18&over 50m backstroke.

Phoebe Steinfort gained one Silver medal in the Open 400 Freestyle and the Open 100 Freestyle, and bronze medals in the Open 200 Freestyle and the Female 16-17 100 Freestyle in the 100 Freestyle.

The club has a number of outstanding younger swimmers who performed at their best during the Country swimming championships.

• 11 year old Harry Kershaw collected two Gold medals in the Boys 11 years 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly.
• Ayla Pearson a 12 year old Breaststroker won a gold medal in a very close finish and was complimented by Trent Richards who won the 13 years 100 Breaststroke.
• Swimming sensations Isobel Lambden and Millie Nelis dominated the 13 years girls with Millie winning Gold in the 100 Freestyle and a Silver in the 100 Breaststroke. While Isobel swam in three finals for a Gold in the 100 Backstroke and silver medals in the 100 freestyle and the 200 Individual Medley

or any information regarding this media Release contact:
Rob Nelis
Media Liaison Officer
Geelong Swimming Club
Ph: 0418 348 628
5222 1664 (W)