ONCE again Myall Masters Swimming Club have overcome the seasonal challenge of time out of the pool to compete at the indoor aquatic facility at Ettalong.

A mix of cross-training ,open water and trips to heated swimming facilities in other towns have helped swimmers maintain fitness and technique gains made over the previous summer squad sessions to deliver some very strong performances.

Three Myall men competed in the 65-69 year age group, Mark Hill, Doug Gillespie and Shane O’Connor.

Mark‘s emergence as a 200m swimmer was confirmed with his second attempt at the distance in competition executed with confidence following some open water and 50M training.

Similarly Doug, a seasoned competitor for the Myall squad, preferring sprints, had his highlight swim over a longer distance.

Doug swam strategically to bring home the final 25m of the 100M free for a solid finish.

Shane boldly entered his first short course 50M breaststroke, necessitating tackling two technical breakouts.

He surprised himself with his efficient execution of the dive start that he had to check that he hadn’t false started, finding himself far in front of the line-up when he came up for his first stroke.

He finished a not too shabby 5th.

Shane also contested the 50M freestyle.

Christine Sefton in 50-54 Women’s swam freestyle and breaststroke events in her characteristically effortless style to win her age-group by 4 points.

Christine helped spur world record holder Tony Goodwin to break yet another record when they swam next to each other in the 100M Breastroke.

Christine won the heat and her age group for her efforts.

Christopher Lock in 80-84 Men’s, having relaxed his training schedule after scooping the pool at the recent National competition still had enough residual fitness to win his age group.

Chris enjoyed following through with some friendly rivalry with a Warringah mate over the 100M and 50 M freestyle events, taking a trick each.

Linda Stubbs and Sharon Taylor sharing the 55-59 age group covered a range of events on offer.

Linda, despite not getting wet since the pool closed, put on an astounding performance to win all three of her events over all freestyle distances.

Sharon did what appeared to be an exhibition swim of the 200M Medley with plenty of clear water having entered a too fast paced heat; the competition pushed Sharon to swim a PB for the distance.

A mixed team was fielded for the 50M Relay consisting of Linda, Doug, Mark and Christine, coming second to Campbelltown.

Club points placed Myall 9th overall from a total 25 clubs.

By Sharon TAYLOR