Spring Racing rolls on
A beautiful weather day to commence our racing last Saturday. Thank you to everyone who helped with setup and pack up. A reminder during September the swimming centre opens at 7.00am and we aim to commence races at 7.15am.
A reminder that Spring Racing Carnival events do not accumulate any points towards the Summer Season Graded Races Point Score and these swims do not qualify for Club Championship qualification in the Summer Season.
Every swimmer and volunteer participating in our Spring Racing Carnival goes in the draw to win 2xDay Passes to Sydney Action Park (renamed Wet & Wild). The winner will be drawn on our first Summer season race day on Saturday 3rd October. See the flyer at the end of Whales Tales for more information.
Swimming NSW Registration is open
Instructions on how to re-register for the summer season are on the How to Join page. Swimmers can enter our Spring Racing Carnival before renewing their 2026/2027 memberships but won't be able to enter events after 1st October unless they have a 2026/2027 membership.
With the kind support of Club Merrylands, we are again able to provide Free Membership for swimmers 8yrs & Under, who regularly swim in our club races. See the club website for more information about this.
Club Uniforms
It’s time to check what uniforms you may need to purchase for the season. Club uniforms and equipment can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop, visit club shop.
If you have any questions, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).
Swimmer Spotlight – Eden & Tabitha Johnston
This week we shine the spotlight on two of our youngest swimmers.
Tabitha:
Tell us about your swimming journey
Yes, I like swimming. I like swimming with my Daddy. I don't know why. I got a rainbow pool for my birthday, and I threw the smiley one out. Daddy teaches me how to swim. I like Grandma's pool. Sometimes it's deep. I like swimming at the beach; I don't have any floaties. I was on Dad's boogie board, and I fell off it at the beach once.
Favourite stroke
Backstroke
What do you like about the Club?
Sausage sizzles. I wait a long time for my race.
Tell us something interesting about you
I like dancing. My favourite dancing is following Emma Wiggle.
Eden:
Tell us about your swimming journey
I did Learn to Swim at Blacktown Aquatic Centre. Dad also taught me how to swim. And I do Learn to Swim with the Club with Grandma.
What's your favourite stroke?
Breaststroke, because it's my fastest. My least favourite is Freestyle, it's very hard for me.
What's a Swimming Goal you have?
I want to break time and go to 33m for breaststroke and backstroke.
What do you like about the Club?
The sausage sizzles! I don't really come for the swimming, but I love seeing my friends and family here.
Tell us something interesting about you
I love reading books. I'm currently reading Matilda and I've watched the movie. I also love eating chocolate! Mint flavour is my favourite.
Do you have a joke to share?
What did the strawberry say to the bird?
Nothing. Strawberries can't talk!
Historical & Weird Swimming Facts
Benjamin Franklin invented swim fins: As a keen swimmer, the founding father designed wooden hand-paddles and foot fins when he was just 11 years old to help himself move through the water faster
The "pool smell" isn't chlorine: That strong chemical scent is actually chloramine, which forms when chlorine mixes with sweat, urine, and dirt brought into the pool by swimmers
Goggles were made from tortoise shells: In 14th-century Persia, early swimming goggles were crafted out of polished tortoise shells. Rubber versions did not appear until the 1930s (I wish I knew that before the trivia questions at Presentation last year 😊)
The Titanic had an ocean liner pool: It was the first cruise ship to feature a heated swimming pool for its first-class passengers
The Amazon River swim: In 2007, Slovenian long-distance swimmer Martin Strel swam the entire 5,256 km length of the Amazon River in 66 days
Hydrate: Swimmers are actually sweating while swimming in the pool – remember to hydrate!
Workout: When swimming, you are using EVERY major muscle in your body
Source: Google
Upcoming Meet Calendar
Check the website for the full list of upcoming meets, closing dates, programs and qualifying times.
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MEET NAME
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MEET DATE
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ENTRY CLOSING
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NSW State Masters SC C/Ships
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10th & 11th October
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2nd October
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MSW Long Course Championships
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14th & 15th November
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TBA
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Masters LC LD Championships
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22nd November
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13th November
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SNSW Youth Metropolitan C/Ships
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28th & 29th November
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TBA
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NSW Senior State Championships
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15th – 21st December
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TBA
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Speedo Sprint Heats
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30th January
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TBA
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Merrylands SwimFest
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13th February
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TBA
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NSW Senior Metropolitan C/Ships
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19th – 21st February
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TBA
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Speedo Sprint Final
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27th February
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Heat Qualifying
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NSW State Open Championships
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5th – 7th March
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TBA
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NSW State Youth Championships
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20th – 21st March
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TBA
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