Merrylands Masters had 10 loonies (swimmers) compete at the Masters Swimming NSW Long Distance Championships held at Blacktown Aquatic Centre on the 16th November, 2014.

Merrylands had a fantastic meet and finished first in the overall point score, tying with Manly. This was a great achievement and the team has come a lomg way from our team of 3 swimmers at the Long Distance Championships in 2011.

The first event was the 1500m Freestyle and Merrylands had 3 men in the first heat. Ian Wilson had an excellent swim, taking 20 seconds off his personal best time – reducing it to approximately 20 mins (give or take a minute or so). Mat Edsall and Peter Johnston had their own race, with Peter finishing in front, levelling the score from our club championships earlier this year. Ian, Mat and Peter picked up gold medals for their performances.

New Masters Members Kylee Murray and Craig Leckie then stepped up for their turn and both finished 4th in their age groups, which left them hungry for more.

Graham Edwards was next up for the 800m Breaststroke which was the first time he has attempted the event, and finished with a very pleasing time and 3rd in his age group.

Alison “just had a baby” Sakurovs swam the 400m Freestyle in a new PB (Post Baby) time, picking up a silver medal in the process.

Merrylands then had 3 swimmers in one heat of the 400m Freestyle. Craig Leckie, Ian Johnston and another new swimmer, Melissa Cohen had a very competitive race which was exciting to watch. Melissa showed the boys how it was done, beating the other 2 to the finish. The boys weren’t too bothered as once the results came out they discovered they both came 3rd in their respective age groups.

Mat was our solo backstroker, swimming the 400m Backstroke for the first time. Mat won his age group however wasn’t too pleased once Alison pointed out her 400m Freestyle time was 1 second faster.

It was clear that our Coach’s favourite stroke is breaststroke as 6 of our swimmers competed in the 400m Breaststroke. Peter came in with the fastest time of the day, with Ian not too far behind. Graham and Melissa competed in the next heat with both having solid performances. Husband and wife team Ian and Tricia Johnston raced in the final heat, however it was not obvious that it was their 40th Wedding anniversary as Ian beat Tricia to the finish. The Breaststroke was a very successful event for the club as we picked up 2 Gold, 3 Silvers and a Bronze medal in the event.

The final event of the day was the 400m Individual Medley. Alison continued her return to form and picked up another gold. Kylee showed true bravery, or lunacy, by entering the event, having never even swum 100m Butterfly before. Kylee had a fantastic swim and actually led after the fly. Peter, true to Coach of the Year form, noted this and will increase fly training for Kylee now she has proven she is capable.

Congratulations to our entire team on their results, especially our first time team members Craig, Kylee and Melissa. Special thanks to Margaret Edwards for timekeeping for most of the day and William Johnston for being so well behaved.

Medal Tally

Gold 7
Silver 5
Bronze 4

See Also

Blacktown Aquatic Centre
Blacktown Aquatic Centre hosted the 2014 NSW State Masters Long Distance Championships on Sunday, 16th November, 2014.
Blacktown Aquatic Centre
Blacktown Aquatic Centre hosted the 2014 NSW State Masters Long Distance Championships on Sunday, 16th November, 2014.