PUNCHING above their weight, Coffs Harbour Masters swimmers bagged a multitude of medals at the recent NSW State championships and Port Macquarie annual carnival.

Both events attracted swimmers from throughout NSW.

Coffs Harbour Masters spokesperson Jamie Marschke shares a summary of the team’s successes with News Of The Area.

“Michael Stubbs collected another of his many State title wins in the 200m freestyle while also collecting three silver medals,” he said.

Michael backed this up with four from four wins at the Port Macquarie carnival.

“Grant and Leanne De Costa continued their strong showings at the State titles with several medals between them while Michelle Stubbs, David and Jane Rudgley enjoyed strong top ten finishes in events where tenths of a second can drop competitors multiple places.

“Paul Edwards maintained form with seven State title wins at the short-course and long-distance carnivals,
including a NSW record in the 100m butterfly, recording a 1:06:99 (55-59 years).”

Coffs Harbour entered one of its largest teams in some time at the Port Macquarie carnival.

The team competed in age groups from the 25-29 years right through to the 65-69 years category.

“Local coaching and swimming legends Daniel Bannerman and Geoff Eastwood showed that gaining a little age hasn’t slowed them down.

“Now competing in the 35-39 years age category, both swimming the fastest times recorded on the day,” said Jamie.

Mother and daughter pair Michelle and Tenielle Stubbs kept the points flowing with wins and top three places in all their events while Jemma Werrell, Irisa McGarry, Jodie Gordan and Anthea Barnfield won everything in sight, “leaving the other competitors to mop up the minor placings”.

“David Johnson rounded out the team with a second place in his pet event the 50m freestyle (45-49 years).”

The supportive atmosphere at these carnivals perfectly demonstrated the mix of high-level competition and social connection that is a core aspect of Masters swimming.

Many in the team also compete in triathlon, surf lifesaving and ocean swimming events and so cater for anyone interested in keeping fit, wanting an occasional race, or with the desire to engage in elite level competitions.

Anyone interested can check out the Coffs Harbour Masters Swimming website at
www.coffsmastersswimming.weebly.com.

By Andrea FERRARI