Issue 15, 2025/2026 by Matthew Vicic - 16th January, 2026

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Saturday Club Races

Welcome to third club race morning for 2026. Please arrive as early as possible to help setup. Setup is underway by 6.30am and all help is appreciated in getting this completed, especially with a number of regular helpers currently away.

Last Saturday was a blast, although it was hot, our swimmers and volunteers still managed to make a great morning out of it and swam some great times!

Another reminder that our first championships for the year will be the 50m & 200m (Open) Butterfly on Saturday, 24^th January. So enter in those races now before you run out of time!

Squad Reminders

Firstly, the weather has been getting increasingly hot, so this is a reminder to all swimmers to make sure you are bringing enough water and electrolytes to keep you hydrated while at training. A water bottle is a part of your swim gear, just like your flippers and kick board so make sure you bring it with you.

Secondly, Speedo Sprint Series heats are coming up on Sunday 1^st February. Entries for the meet close next Thursday, 22^nd January @ 9.00am, so hurry and enter fast.

Lastly, a Merrylands swimming cap is a part of your club uniform and must be warn to training! If you need to purchase a new one or any uniform, follow this link to the club shop on our website.

Merrylands SwimFest

SwimFest is just a few more weeks away, all swimmers who can swim, masters as well, should be competing at SwimFest and representing our club. Make sure you enter if you have not already. This meet is great practice for all swimmers and a great opportunity to gun for some pb’s. Entries close on Saturday 7^th February @ 5.00pm so make sure you get your entries in early. Merrylands members can use the special member button for discounted entry fees.

As always SwimFest is not run by a lone whale but the entire pod, so please step forward and let Sylvia Chan (Meet Director) know you are available.

If you hate confrontation, we’ve got you covered. You can also sign up to help at this form: https://forms.microsoft.com

Spotlight on Kylee Murray

This week we shine the spotlight on Kylee Murray, whose swimming journey spans learn-to-swim, squads, water polo, the Army, ocean swimming and Masters competition — all while being a valued and active part of our club community.

Q1: Tell us about your swimming journey

A: I started Learn to Swim at Fairfield Pools around 7 years old. Mum couldn’t swim so she made sure all her kids did — me the eldest, two sisters and a brother. About 10 years old, the Fairfield RSL Squads (no longer operating) asked me to join after seeing me swim. Cabramatta Amateur Swimming Club (also no longer operating) also asked me to join after seeing me swim, so I was part of both clubs for a while.

During high school, I pivoted from swimming to water polo. I was the speedy initial racer to get the ball and played Centre Forward. I was on the representative Water Polo team for Westfields High (wasn’t officially a sports school at the time). After leaving school, I went to the Army and joined the Army Defence water polo team where we competed in State and Country Championships. I also joined a water polo club, strangely named the Eastwood Rugby Club. A highlight was going to the Arafura Games where nations along the Arafura Sea competed in many sports, including Water Polo.

I then retired from swimming and took a break for a few years due to a leg and neck injury. About 10 years ago, I decided to do a 10km ocean swim and trained on my own leading up to that event. I noticed some friendly looking faces representing a cool swim club — Ian Wilson, Alison Johnston (and baby William in her tummy!), Peter Johnston and Steve Nguyen — and went over for a chat. I’ve been part of MASC ever since.

Q2: What is your favourite stroke?

A: Freestyle! It’s the easier one and my terrible kicks can be disguised! My least favourite stroke is Breaststroke — because of my terrible kicks. I just can’t do it!

Q3: What is your favourite swimming achievement?

A: Achieving my best 800m freestyle swim in a long time after retirement and injuries at the Australian Masters Championships in Melbourne (April 2025), and again recently at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore (August 2025).

Q4: #1 Swimming goal for this year?

A: For the Australian Masters Championships in Brisbane in April 2026, I would love to get a new PB for 800m freestyle (or at least swim as well as I did in Singapore).

Q5: What do you love about our Club?

A: I love all the “outside the pool” stuff — the community feel and connections.

Q6: What is Something interesting about you?

A: Whilst I was in the Army, my role was in Signals — deciphering Morse code and doing all the secret spy stuff you see in the movies!

And that's all from Kylee, tune in next week to see who will be featured next. Rumour has it they have already been interviewed... 👀👀

General Message

If you have been enjoying the Whales Tales so far and have any Ideas on how to improve, please speak to Matt.

Lions Club Award

We have had so many people helping out during the season and you would have seen the monthly lists of people being nominated so far this season. So let’s keep recognising our great volunteers by nominating them for the Lions Club Award 👏

Nominate a volunteer

Upcoming Meet Calendar

Check the website for the full list of upcoming meets, closing dates, programs and qualifying times.