Individual and Relay State Champions at Swimming Championships

23/04/2024

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA: STATE SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) Swimming Team competed at the School Sport Victoria (SSV) State Swimming Championships at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) on Friday 19 April. Seventeen students qualified for the championships and all participants were excellent ambassadors for the College. It was a pleasure to attend with such a delightful group of students. Congratulations to all team members; the competition was intense and all our swimmers displayed excellent skills and determination.

STATE CHAMPION

Zarah Reynolds finished her CMCB swimming year with a brilliant meet. Zarah is now a State Champion for not one but two individual events as well as being an integral member of two relay teams. Congratulations Zarah on an outstanding year.

STATE CHAMPIONS

Our 15-16yr Girls 4 x 50m medley relay team put in a fabulous performance. They had a strong start and maintained a consistent pace throughout. Their changeovers were well executed and, at the last change, Stephanie Ingram was able to bridge the body length gap that a few teams had established, taking the girls from fourth place to first place in the final 50m. Her momentum off the blocks translated into speed in the water, as she took her team to the front of the race and consolidated the work of the first three swimmers to deliver an outstanding victory. The team consisted of Zarah Reynolds, Holly Hembrow, April Downing and Stephanie Ingram.

Likewise, the 15-year Girls 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay team became State Champions after another thrilling race. Zoe Reynolds’ smooth transition off the blocks put the team in the mix early, whilst Stephanie Ingram and Holly Hembrow glided through the water to put the team into the perfect position for Zarah Reynolds to bring home the win. Each of their contributions was invaluable and highlighted the importance of swimming for each other, as a team. Congratulations girls on a sensational result.

STATE RUNNER UP

Telani Bibby also had a busy schedule swimming in four individual events and a relay. In the Girls Open 50m Freestyle event, she swam brilliantly in a tightly contested race, with only hundredths of a second splitting the top two place getters. She finished a very credible second to earn the title of State Runner Up.

STATE RUNNER UP

Telani was then part of the Open girls 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Team who also swam incredibly well collectively to finish as State Runners Up. It was another race that saw a few teams swim stroke for stroke for the majority of the race. Second place was a terrific way to end an incredible meet for the entire squad. Congratulations to Telani, April Downing, Zara Bibby and Sunny Childs on a brilliant team swim.

In addition, well done to Holly Hembrow for setting a Personal Best time in her 200m Freestyle event.

Overall, the State Swimming Championships was a highly-competitive event that showcased the talents of the best swimmers from across the state. All our competitors put in excellent performances on the day and were a credit to the College. The College finished in fourth place overall which reflects the hard work students put into their training in the lead up the Championships.

Individual Results

Zarah Reynolds (Year 9)