It was wonderful to experience a Masters’ meet at State level after an 18 month hiatus (the last one being the NSW Short Course Champs in Oct 2019). This meet was the NSW Masters State Championships held over the weekend April 10-11 at Homebush. There were about 285 swimmers from 34 clubs, several of which were from interstate.
North Sydney Masters was represented by 11 swimmers.
We fielded five relay teams across various age groups, genders & relay type. The Women’s 4×50 Freestyle Relay team (160-199 yrs) of Vicki Watson, Christina Echols, Fiona Reed & Amber Kelly won in the crisp time 2.08.35. Not to be outdone, the Men’s 4×50 Freestyle Relay team (120-159 yrs) did likewise, snatching victory from the Wett Ones in a blitzing final leg of 25.17 secs by newcomer Manel Aizpurua Ezeiza supported by Angus Baldwin, Thomas Dinard & Damian Asprey in 1.54.96. Jesse Hanna, Darren Beilby and Helen White contributed to other relay teams on the Sunday.
Reflecting their competence across five different events (the maximum number allowed for an individual swimmer), overall State age group placegetters were:
Angus Baldwin, First Place, Men 25-29 yrs
Thom Dinard, Second Place, Men 25-29 yrs
Amber Kelly, Second Place, Women 35-39 yrs
Helen White, Third Place, Women 70-74 yrs.
Several others distinguished themselves: Fiona Reed won all four of her entries across the four strokes at 50 metres; and Vicki Watson won her two entries.
Lastly, mention needs to be made of Christina Echols who probably swam for the last time for North Sydney Masters. As usual, Christina swam well, reflecting her competitive spirit which has consistently driven her to achieve records individually and in relay combinations over many years. Above and beyond that, Christina is a great “Club Person”. We wish Christina well in her move to Tweed Heads.
Of 34 teams, North Sydney finished eleventh behind winner Warringah. The 11 swimmers mentioned above represented our club well.
Cheers,
Damian Asprey (Co-Captain), 18.4.2021.