A fast and furious program kept students busy at the Primary GCC Swimming Carnival at the Burpengary Aquatic Centre. Everyone enjoyed swimming at this venue which was sheltered from both rain and sun. The war cries and cheering were amplified in this indoor facility.
The 50m pool was divided in half with the Heat 1 races at one end and the Heat 2-6 races in the other. This made the program quicker, with more swim time for the students. Several novelty events were held throughout the day which students always enjoy.
Records are difficult to break at GCC now and only three records were broken all day. Estelle Collins set a new 9 girls 200 IM record with a fantastic swim in this tough event. Eight-year-old Kai Carter took a second off the 8-year boys’ freestyle record and Quinn Barkley took two seconds off the 8-year girls’ freestyle record.
Dalton Loveday had an amazing day winning every one of his six races to become the 12 boys Age Champion. Grace Pearson and Chelsea Brown had many close races and ended the carnival as joint Age Champions. Nine-year-old Estelle Collins had some close races pushed along by Isla McNeil but Estelle won all five of her races with Isla placing second in every race. Kai Carter won all of his three eight-year-old races to become eight-year boys Age Champion. There was a battle in the ten-year boys’ races with Nate Coumi pushing Jack Ives in almost every race. Jack finished the day with five wins and one second place with Nate winning the butterfly race. Charlotte Ramke also won all but one of her 10-year girls’ races making Jack and Charlotte 10 year Age Champions. Cooper James also won all but one of his races to win the eleven boys Age Champion title.
There were some hard-fought races in the Heat 2 – 6 pool too with some great ability on show. Students were seeded into heats with other children of similar ability which made every race competitive. The smiles on the faces of those who won ribbons was a joy to see. It was great for students having a go and swimming their best.
The Flying Squad Relays are always the most loudly cheered races and the lead changed several times throughout the race. The fastest two students in each age group race as a team aptly named the Flying Squad. The crowd was very excited as the Sinai girls held out Zion to win the girls race. The boys’ race was won by Ararat with Sinai in second and Zion in third.
At the end of the carnival, Ararat had gained the most points and were once again Swimming Champions. Sinai finished in second place with Zion in third. It was great to have so many parents at the carnival supporting the swimmers.
Wendy Stott