COFFS Harbour Masters Swimming Club members gave standout performances at recent national titles in Melbourne.
The Coffs Masters were among 730 swimmers representing all regions of Australia, aged from 18 to 98 years, across the five-day schedule of events.
Leanne Da Costa led the charge with a huge schedule over the five days of competition.
Leanne competed in eleven events in the 65-69 years category and came away with three bronze medals for the 100m and 200m butterfly, along with the 400m individual medley.
“Leanne is off to the World Championships in Singapore later this year and is hitting top form to make the Coffs Coast proud on the international stage,” Coffs Masters spokesperson Paul Edwards told News Of The Area.
Michael Stubbs competed in the 60-64 years age group and delivered outstanding swims throughout the competition, claiming a silver in the 100m backstroke and bronze in the 200m freestyle.
He narrowly missed the podium in the 50m and 200m backstroke events.
“Michael’s strong results highlight his versatility and strength across multiple distances and strokes.”
Anthea Barnfield competed in the 65-69 age group, placing fourth in the 100m breaststroke and fifth in the 50m breaststroke.
“[This] was an amazing effort considering she is continuing to rehab from a broken wrist that occurred in a basketball game late last year,” Paul said.
Michelle Stubbs represented the club proudly, turning in personal best times in the 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle events.
Coffs Masters Swimmers also competed in the recent Coffs Coast Ocean Swims, which highlighted how competitive masters athletes remain against much younger participants.
Jemma Werrell (30-39 years) was 14th overall in the 600m swim and 15th overall in the 2km.
Jodie Gordon (40-49 years) was 24th overall in the 600m swim out of 97 participants.
Jane Rudgley (50-59 years) came 80th out of 177 participants in the 2km race.
For the men, Richie Goddard and Michael Morton (30-39 years) came this and sixth respectively in the 600m.
A race sponsor and local swimming coach, Daniel Bannerman (40-49 years) came 12th in the 600m swim, with Dave Johnson (40-49 years) achieving 25th out of 85 participants.
In the 2km race, Richie and Michael backed up with Richie coming fifth overall and Michael a close seventh.
Participating in his first ocean swim event, Paul Edwards (50-59 years) placed 12th out of the 164 participants.
“Swimming has always been an important part of Australian sporting culture, and Masters swimmers are committed to promoting the importance of swimming.
“Swimming provides a positive, healthy platform for a range of ages to mix and socialise with carnivals helping meet the need for competition, which doesn’t necessarily diminish as the years add up.”
By Andrea FERRARI
