A team of 87 Gippsland Swimmers once again were victorious in claiming the title of Country Junior District Champions at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Saturday 28th October 2023.
In the history of the competition, Gippsland was the champion district at the previously named Country 7-10 Competition from 1978-1988, winning the trophy eleven times. From 1989, the trophy was won by Ovens & Murray District for the next 4 years. Gippsland reclaimed the title in 1993 and has held onto it since. Making Gippsland, Country Junior District Champions for 30 consecutive years.
This year’s team consisted of 22 swimmers from South Gippsland Bass Swimming Club, 11 swimmers from Warragul Swimming Club, 12 swimmers from Sale Swimming Club, 28 swimmers from Traralgon Swimming Club, six swimmers from East Gippsland Water Dragons, four swimmers from Moe Swimming Club, and four swimmers from Morwell Swimming Club.
At the conclusion of the day, Gippsland were declared the overall champions with a combined total of 1657 points, ahead of the Central District on 850 points. Gippsland girls scored 762 points and the Gippsland boys scored 833 points.
Throughout the meet, Gippsland swimmers won three individual events, placed second in fourteen individual events, and placed third in thirteen events. The team also won 10 out of 12 relay events and placed second in the other two relay events.
Gippsland was led by swimming captains Emily Croatto (South Gippsland) and Archie Smyth (South Gippsland). Coaches for the day were Heidi Gratton (Warragul) Samantha O’Keefe (South Gippsland) and Lorrianne McKenzie (South Gippsland). Team Managers were Josh Szkwarek (Traralgon), Janelle Smyth (South Gippsland) and Brooke Said (Traralgon).
Placegetters for the day were:
11-Year-Old-Girls: Emily Croatto (South Gippsland): 3rd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke; Indi Joiner (Warragul): 3rd 50m Backstroke; Elise Pratt (Traralgon): 3rd 50m Freestyle.
11-Year-Old Boys: Jayden Tran (Traralgon): 3rd 50m Butterfly, 3rd 50m Breaststroke; Archie Smyth (South Gippsland): 2nd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 50m Freestyle; Max Williamson (Sale): 1st 50m Breaststroke.
10-Year-Old Girls: Lilah Stevens (Warragul): 2nd 50m Breaststroke
10-Year-Old Boys: Logan Gibson (Warragul): 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Freestyle.
9-Year-Old Girls: Pippa Brideson (Sale): 2nd 50m Butterfly.
9-Year-Old Boys: Hayden Rawson (Traralgon): 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Freestyle; Henry Arnup (Sale): 3rd 50m Backstroke.
8-Year-Old Girls: Ruby Pirouet (South Gippsland): 3rd 50m Butterfly; Ruby Stagg (Moe): 2nd 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Freestyle.
8-Year-Old Boys: Matthew Thornby (South Gippsland): 3rd 50m Butterfly; Dylan Wu (Morwell): 1st 50m Breaststroke; Austin Lynch (South Gippsland): 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 50m Freestyle.
8-11- Year- Old- Multiclass: Mackenzie Gibbs (Sale): 3rd 50m Breaststroke; Blake Warne (Traralgon): 3rd 50m Freestyle, 3rd 50m Backstroke.
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