Home

Good turnout at Australia Day surf lifesaving club’s swimming competition in Geraldton

Geoff VivianMidwest Times
Competitors over 35 year of age were automatically entered into the Legends category.
Camera IconCompetitors over 35 year of age were automatically entered into the Legends category. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography

About 85 competitors turned up to brave windy conditions at Champion Bay Surf Lifesaving Club’s Australia Day swim on Saturday.

They competed in four events — a one kilometre junior swim, and open swims of 1.5km, 3km and 6km.

Abbey Carter won the girls’ one kilometre junior challenge with Isobelle Warren the runner-up. The boys’ junior champion was Matthew Chamberlain and the runner-up was Mathijs Travasso.

Boys’ junior challenge winner Matthew Chamberlain with Mathijs Travasso and girls’ junior challenge winner Abbey Carter.
Camera IconBoys’ junior challenge winner Matthew Chamberlain with Mathijs Travasso and girls’ junior challenge winner Abbey Carter. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography

The adult events recognised two sets of winners — the legend category for over 35s and the open category.

Holly Marinovich won the women’s 1.5km Challenge Legend with Joanne Horrex the runner-up. Male Legend was Scott Bennett with runner-up Paul Taylor. Bianca O’Malley took top honours in the female open with runner-up Tammy O’Malley. Male open went to Kelly Giles with runner-up Zac Gildersleeve.

Debra Silver and Heather Chamberlain.
Camera IconDebra Silver and Heather Chamberlain. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography

In the 3km challenge the female Legend was Dianne Bowman and Julie Myers was runner-up. Bruce Bowman won the men’s Legend category, and Karl Pirrotinna was runner-up. Female open winner was Amber Jackson, and runner up Danika Barras. Brock Gildersleeve won the Male open with runner up Jonathon McKenzie.

Drew McDonald and Trevor Gibbs.
Camera IconDrew McDonald and Trevor Gibbs. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography

There were only six entrants in the 6km challenge, all over 35 years of age. Anita Krippner won the female Legend in the 6km challenge, and because she was the sole female competitor there was no runner-up. Male Legend was Jason Potts with runner-up Peter Nelson.

Wesley and Noah Brown and Henry Burton.
Camera IconWesley and Noah Brown and Henry Burton. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography

There were two additional honours recognised across all categories. The most senior competitor was Jan Gill, and the competitor who came closest to her nominated time was Jade Bavoillot.

Junior Challenge boys runner-up Mathijs Travasso.
Camera IconJunior Challenge boys runner-up Mathijs Travasso. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography

Club president Peter Nelson said he was pleased with the turnout, although there were fewer competitors than last year when numbers were swelled by the 2018 Country Carnival.

Lilly and Caroline Ashby with Bianca Bavoillot.
Camera IconLilly and Caroline Ashby with Bianca Bavoillot. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography

The club’s next open event will be the 25-hour swim beginning at noon on Easter Saturday and continuing through the night until noon on Easter Sunday.

Solo competitors are welcome, as are relay teams of four, 10 and a corporate category.

Champion Bay SLSC surf patrol members Scotty Dewers and Meaghan Britt.
Camera IconChampion Bay SLSC surf patrol members Scotty Dewers and Meaghan Britt. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails