MORE than 274 swimmers competed at the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool for the Summer Splash Swimming Carnival last Saturday.

There was a strong local contingent of 114 Coffs Harbour swimmers, competing under the coaching guidance of Daniel Bannerman, Eugene Brogmus, Dean Laurence, Pedro Cabral Barbosa, Colin Sawtell and many other coaches from the region.

Competitors travelled from as far as Kingscliff and Orange to compete in this popular competition, where swimmers are grouped together based on similar times, which is different to a typical swimming gala at which the competitors are grouped together according to their age and gender.

Coffs Harbour Memorial Pool Head Coach Daniel Bannerman was delighted with the outcome of the Carnival.

“The Carnival format adds excitement and encouragement to improve Personal Best times when competing against different age groups,” said Mr Bannerman.

“With so many amazing swims and events throughout the day there’s too many to list all of the podium and one-two podium places by Coffs Harbour swimmers, the coaches were delighted with the number of PB’s and the quality and depth of the swimming performances,” explained Mr Bannerman.

“Coffs Harbour Swimming club were displaying their new club uniforms and a real team spirit was evident throughout the day,” said Mr Bannerman.

Coffs Harbour Memorial Pool Coach Dean Laurence praised the results of four standout Coffs Harbour swimmers.

“Ten-year-old State swimmer Harry Campbell won seven gold, one silver and a fourth place with his best performance in the 100m backstroke with a PB, and just off a state qualifying time and two other PB’s.

“Nine year old Coco Becker won eight gold with her best performance including her 100m butterfly with an 8 second PB and 200 medley with a 13 second PB,” said Mr Laurence.

“Twelve year old Boaz Yardley won four firsts, three seconds and two thirds and won the 200 medley with a 8 second PB.

“Ten year old Alexander Cabral Barbosa in the 100m butterfly with a five second PB and a state qualifying time,” said Mr Laurence.

Coffs Harbour Aquatic Centre Head Coach Eugene Brogmus also praised his swimmers.

“There have been many excellent results, twelve year old Aria Matthews won one gold, two silver and two bronze with her best performance in the 50m freestyle.

“Fifteen year old Nick Alford won two gold, four silver and two bronze with his best performance in the 50m freestyle with a PB and the100m freestyle,” said Mr Brogmus.

Mr Bannerman also reserved praise for some stand out performers from other regions.

“Other outstanding results included Lismore swimmer 16 year old Ben Auckram who set two Australian Multi Class records in the 200M backstroke and 800M freestyle and Kempsey swimmer Kolby Wood in the 100M Butterfly who powered home into first place and is set to swim at a National Level,” said Mr Bannerman.

Mr Bannerman, who is also the Coffs Harbour Swimming Club President, wrapped up the event with words of gratitude.

“We are very pleased with the Carnival and the Coffs Harbour Swimming Clubs performances, also thanking all those Clubs that attended and travelled to the carnival, another big thank you to all those involved in the planning, organisation and all officials and technicians involved in running the carnival,” he said.

“The club hopes in 2022 without Covid restrictions to host a larger number of swimmers and a more expansive and attractive swimming carnival program.”

 

By David WIGLEY