Australian Open Championships Report:
These Australian Championships were a mixture of performances where most athletes were in different phases of their preparations for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Trials…but it’s always good to compete against the best and put in a performance that reflects where they are whilst working to prescribed race plans.
Some of the NSW performances that caught my eye included Will Yang (SOPAC) in the 100m Freestyle where he finished strong to claim the silver medal in a new PB of 48.20. Shaun Champion (Abbotsleigh) also put his hand up in the 100m Butterfly securing the silver medal in a time of 51.28. Bradley Woodward (Mingara – NSWIS HUB) took out the backstroke double winning both the 100m & 200m.
Some of our younger swimmers also got amongst it including Sienna Toohey (Albury) winning her first open medal in the 50m Breaststroke (Silver) and coming 5th in the 100m. Bella Grant (Trinity Grammar) putting in great performances in both the 200m Fly & 200m Backstroke…not many countries can boast having 4 women who can swim 2:08 or less in the 200m Fly!
Our nation has a wealth of outstanding swimmers, and they were on show over the past four days…none better than Kaylee McKeown and Mollie O’Callaghan…simply outstanding! Who could forget the swims of Sam Short and Elijah Winnington duelling out the 400m Freestyle on the first night…both swimming 3:41!
Our Multi Class swimmers put together some great swims including Tim Hodge (ACU Blacktown) who was very close to breaking his own WR in the Men’s 200 IM…swimming a faster time than when he won Worlds last year…his time of 2:12.74 shows he’s on track for the Trials. Also, Jasmine Greenwood (Cruiz) put in some strong performances in winning 3 Gold medals…
Following are our medal winners:
Olympic Program:
Multi Class Program:
Medal Tables:
After four days of outstanding swimming at the Australian Open Championships we now shift our focus to the upcoming Australian Olympic Trials to be held in Brisbane starting on June 10th.
A big congratulations to all our NSW swimmers and coaches…we wish you well in your preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Trials over the next 49 days! GO THE MIGHTY BLUES!
