ENDING their 2017-18 season on a high note, a dozen swimmers from the Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club (MASC) finished the NSW State Masters Long Course Championships with a haul of 15 medals.
Bringing home 11 gold, three silver and a bronze between them, MASC president Graham Edwards said their swimmers also set 10 new personal best times at the two-day event which was held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC).
"Our club also finished second in Division 2 at the meet and won the Executive Trophy for the highest proportion of members swimming at the championships," he said.
"Our coach, Peter Johnston was also named NSW Master's Coach of the Year for the second time.
"He's a very special coach across all the levels from juniors through to the masters. He has been recognised at the highest level for the quality of his coaching."
Mr Edwards said he was extremely proud of all the Club's swimmers.
"For a small masters club competing against some of the bigger squads we do very well for ourselves," he said.
"It's a great family atmosphere and we provide a pathway right through from the juniors which is unique in that respect. That is one of the strengths of our club.
"We also run learn to swim classes during summer and the diversity of those classes is great to see.
"This year for the first time we offered adults classes as well and it was really successful and enjoyable."
He said a couple of people began the classes with a real fear of the water and it was wonderful to see them begin to feel comfortable and relaxed, and to be able to enjoy swimming and to participate in such an important aspect of Australian culture.