Sport 26

Celebrating 10 Years!

SWIMMING

Families gathered at Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle over the weekend to celebrate their 10 years in business with a lively pool party. Pool toys and inflatables saw children of all ages jump into the water for some fun. Inside an enormous spread of food awaited and everyone enjoyed sharing the specially made celebration cake. The pool party was completed with a visit from Santa who entertained the children and handed out some presents. Over the past 10 years, this multi-award-winning swim school has seen hundreds of families pass through is pool, and Danielle says that she is honoured to teach such a vital skill to children across the Whitsundays.

The Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle team, Loretta Shand, owner Danielle Shea, Lynda Wendt and Lynda Shea-Davis.

Families enjoyed a 10 year celebration pool party

Cannonvale Cannons’ Great Start At Queensland Championships

The Cannonvale Cannon’s State Team for 2022

SWIMMING

Jy and Jacob in the North Queensland Male Medley team Jy Parkinson and Jacob Dewis after their silver medal winning bout as part of the North Queensland Male Medley relay team

The Cannonvale Cannons sent seven swimmers to participate at the seven-day long Queensland LC Championships in Brisbane, starting last weekend. The Cannons fielded two relay teams at the championships: a Female 16 years and Under 200-metre Free team and an Open Mixed 200-metre Freestyle side. Holly Perrin, Remy Hedges, Tora Delac, and Tiana Bell comprised the Female U16s, while Holly Perrin, Remy Hedges, Jy Parkinson, and Jacob Dewis represented in the Open grade. The swimmers did exceptionally, but most importantly enjoyed their relays. Jy and Jacob doubled up as members of the North Queensland Male Medley relay team, finishing in second place – and chuffed with their silver medals. The Cannons look forward to hearing how the swimmers go with their individual events over the next few days. Meanwhile back at home, the Cannons hosted a very successful Christmas Club Night on Wednesday. Over 44 swimmers participated in races and fun relays, enjoying the annual Christmas ice block relay and all the delicious yuletide food. Congratulations to Remy Hedges, Eloise Chegwidden, and Jy Parkinson for setting new Club Records. The Cannons also commended Jack Ganter, Isabella Pisaniello, and Celeste Orenshaw on their Chocolate Awards for personal bests. Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to Matilda Nicholes and Maeve Dichieria, with Giselle also presenting Remy Hedges with her State Shirt. Highlights from Club Night include: Miller Eaves and Murphy Jamieson swimming extremely well in their first Club Night. Anisa Helou, Jasper Korosec, Indi Smith, and Levi Smith swimming personal best times in all their events. Eloise Chegwidden, aged seven, smashing out a super 50-metre Breaststroke in 56.41 seconds, followed by her brother, Harry, swimming a fantastic time of 16.35 seconds in his 12-metre Freestyle. And finally, Piper Walker, aged seven, swam a fabulous 25-metre Freestyle in 27.43 seconds, cutting off an impeccable 11.08 seconds from her previous best. Well done to all the swimmers and their families who got involved with the Christmas Club Night. Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Whitsunday Triathlon Club’s Big, Blitzing Year

TRIATHLON

The Whitsunday Triathlon Club held its annual Awards and Christmas Breakup in early December to honour the efforts of its athletes across the year. The local club attracted over 30 attendees for its ceremony which celebrated the achievements of its triathletes who represented the Whitsundays in competitions as high-tiered as the World Championships in the United States. Club President Michael Kimpton presented awards to members for their outstanding performances in all aspects of the sport and the administration of the triathlon club. Recognition awards went to Gary Tebbatt, for his contribution as previous Club President for many years, as well as Julie Wheway, Zane Devine, Mark McConkey, and Greg Martin. Particular mention was afforded to members Dan McDonnell, Alisha Rust, and Michael Kimpton, who received recognition awards for representing their country in World Events in the United States in Utah and Kona, as well as Roth in Bavaria. Club Trophy awards went to Mark McConkey for Crash of the Year, Leigh Donkers for Volunteer of the Year, Joshua King for Most Improved Junior, and Robyn Carrigan for Most Improved Athlete. Major awards were handed to Cassandra Carman, who was awarded Club Female Champion for performing admirably in her first full Ironman in Bavaria – a test of her ultimate stamina and perseverance. Shane Bellert was awarded Club Male Champion for his remarkable results in the Sunshine Coast Half Ironman in September. Shane, who improved his overall time by 45 minutes from the same event in 2019, was awarded for his “show of strength, determination, and endurance” according to Club President Michael Kimpton. Mr Kimpton said it was also a chance to celebrate the Whitsunday Triathlon Club’s recent growth. “We are creating a legacy of growing popularity alongside triathlons as a sport worldwide,” Mr Kimpton said. “The club now boasts over 40 active members and we have received extremely generous donations from local businesses, especially for our juniors.” The awards also recognised the excellent effort of two of the club’s established stars who competed amongst the 230 individual triathletes and 15 teams from around Australia on Hamilton Island for its annual triathlon. Local Hamilton Island fireman and Airlie local Daniel McDonell completed the course in a blistering 1:05:40, finishing in top spot. He wasn’t the only Whitsunday Triathlon Club member who finished on the podium however, with Alisha Rust, Julia Wheway, and Michael Kimpton placing in the top three in each of their respective age groups. Mr Kimpton said this year had been an exceptional one for the club, who were going from strength to strength, and he couldn’t wait to see what the future held – especially for the club’s star athletes.