Geraldton keep A-grade swimming status in strong country championships as records tumble

It is rare that Geraldton residents would travel more than nine hours just for a swim but competitors from Geraldton Amateur Swimming Club made it worth their while with strong country pennants results. Kalgoorlie Amateur Swimming Club hosted the 65th annual Country Pennants drawing more than 500 swimmers from 25 clubs spanning from Exmouth to Esperance. Twenty-seven swimmers from Geraldton Amateur Swimming Club from ages eight to 19 took home four gold, 16 silver, and 32 bronze medals. Geraldton has competed in A-grade since 2019 and comfortably secured its place again, finishing fourth overall on 573 points behind Mandurah (913), Bunbury (674) and Australind (664). It was a highly competitive carnival with several records. Ben Naisbitt, 16, was a stand-out claiming the premier 100m freestyle with the fastest time over the entire weekend at 58.40sec. Naisbitt also broke the club record for the 100m backstroke as he finished with an impressive two gold, one silver and one bronze. Koby MacDonald was another stand-out, completing a set of medals in the breaststroke. Plaudits also went to Molly Evans and George Giudice, recipients of the regional rising star awards. The awards were granted for demonstrating leadership in and out of the water, regularly achieving a personal best, and embracing the values and directions of the club. Team manager Fiona Naisbitt said the Geraldton team had a strong showing at the championships. “With the team guided by coach Mary Lynas, and captained by Kaley Lynas and Ben Naisbitt, many swimmers competed out of their chosen strengths and exceeded expectations to produce some rewarding results,” she said. “The team motto ‘together we achieve more’ could not have been more fitting. It was great to see confidence and camaraderie grow over the weekend. “The club is grateful for the assistance and expertise of Nick Short, Morgan Short, and Murray James-Wallace who officiated for the duration of the event.”