SNSW Para Development Squad Camp Report: Cranbrook School Aquatic Centre
The SNSW Para Development Squad came together for two training days on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th January.
On Friday 24 swimmers came together to put themselves through the Swimming Australia Para Testing Protocols. The tests included a 10 x 100 Step Test, and the PM session involved the speed tests – 2 x 25 Dive Max followed by 2 x 50m Max (1 x dive and 1 x push). Prior to the conclusion the swimmer and their group coaches worked on some skills in preparation for the following days activities. The test results were good, and I look forward to the comparison to the results we have on record.
During the lunch break the swimmers, coaches and parents were treated to some swimmer interviews. The two swimmers who were interviewed were Australian Dolphins Team Member and World Champion Tim Hodge and SA Para Flipper Squad member Millie Springett-Kelly. They were asked some probing question that certainly gave the audience some great insights into their career journeys thus far. They were both fantastic and we thank them for their time and the wisdom they imparted.
Saturday bought a different focus for the swimmers and coaches. After a review from the previous day the swimmers hit the water again for the AM session. They swam in the same groups as day 1 and worked with the same group coaches. This was designed as a skills session that focused on starts, turns and where possible technique. The session was filmed by the coaches who had the opportunity to give some valuable feed back to the swimmers. This session was exceptionally well managed by the coaches, and I know the swimmers benefitted from the tips they received…great job by all!
The PM session bought the swimmers together and they were divided into 2 teams of 11 – the pool was placed in short course mode to ensure some fast swimming! The swimmers were given the opportunity to name their teams – we ended up with The Sharks versus Lightening McQueen. With everyone in full voice we witnessed some great swimming…there were even some re-swims as the judges couldn’t separate some of the finishes. Well, after a ding dong battle and I must say the result came down to the last race – the 11 x 25 freestyle team relay! With the lead changing throughout the race the Lightening McQueen Team came home the strongest and not only took out the relay but won the overall pointscore. Well done to the team and their coaches led by Matthew Robertson (ACU Blacktown), Aaron Stone (Mingara), Sandi Edwards (Warringah) & Analiese Melbourn (Narrabeen).
I’d like to thank all the coaches who attended over the two days…as well as the winning coaches listed above, they included Michael Garrett-Meade (Ascham), Pascal Giraud (The French School), Michael Creighton (Wenona), Anna Barnes (Picton) and Richard Matthews (KPD Dolphins) …everyone contributed to make both days a success. A special thankyou to Michael Creighton who supplied 4 iPads with the capability of working underwater. To the swimmers…awesome job guys!!
Well done to all and I look forward to seeing both swimmers and coaches on pool deck soon!
GO THE MIGHTY BLUES!
