Tasmanian swimming news round-up

In the process, many qualified for national titles next year.

Leading swimmers now based in Queensland, including Ariarne Titmus, 20, Hugh Dolle, 16, Stef McCarthy, 17, and Jacob Templeton, 25, were joined by a contingent of Launceston and Hobart-based athletes.

Titmus, Launceston's world and Commonwealth champion, won the open 200m freestyle (1:55.93). McCarthy, who previously trained with Hobart Aquatic, won gold in her age group in 100m butterfly and freestyle; silver in 50m breaststroke and freestyle; and bronze in 200m free and 50m fly.

Templeton, who grew up in Devonport, set three multi-class world records at last month's virtual national titles. His success continued with silver in the 400m freestyle and bronze in the 100m backstroke and freestyle.

Hugh Dolle, whose family travelled from Launceston to watch him compete, had a large program of events with three relays and seven individual events. He swum personal best times in every heat swim and again in every final. He has qualified for all seven events at nationals. His 4x50m relay team won silver.

Dolle's mum, Kris, said: "He has been training with St Peter's Western for 10 weeks. Hugh was a sprinter. This meet was the first time he has raced middle distance freestyle.

"There is a learning curve there to transition into the longer distances. His coach, Richard Sleight, is doing amazing work with Hugh and his results are showing this."

Hugh described the move from Tasmania to board and study at St Peter's Lutheran College and train with St Peter's Western as daunting.

"[However] the support from the boarding masters and school made it very easy for me to fit into daily school life," he said.

"St Peter's Western swimming is fantastic. The team made me feel welcome. I have made the most of every training session and focused on improving my technique and strength.

"My coach has had a major impact on my growth not only as a swimmer but also a person and student. I'm coming home for Christmas and will train with South Esk until mid-January, when I return to Queensland."

Another South Esk swimmer, Blake Stretton, 15, competed in the 50m 100m and 200m freestyle events in Queensland. He had already qualified for nationals in the 50m and 100m free, and he improved his PBs for the 100m and 200m. His aim, in competing at Brisbane, was to gain race experience at a big meet.

Swimming Tasmania has highlighted other noteworthy performances in Queensland, including - Lacy Kamprad, of Hobart: first in 12 years 200m breaststroke in a new Tasmanian record time (2:42.16); second, 100m breaststroke in new Tas record (1.14.36); second, 12yrs 50m breaststroke in new Tas record (34.61). Noah Kamprad, of Hobart: first, 1500m freestyle (15.42.53), claiming 16 years Tas records for the 1500m and the 800m split (8:20.64), and an open record; first in 15 years 200m fly (2:06.80); second, 15 years 400 IM (4:35.06); third, 15 years 400m free (4:01.65) in a new 16 years Tas record; third, 15 years 800m freestyle (8.20.86). Max Giuliani, of Hobart: third, 17 years 100m freestyle; also new Tas records in 100m free (50.94), 200m free (1:51.89), 400m free (4:06.63). Ella Chan, of Hobart: second, 14 years 50m fly, in new Tas record (28.50). Daniel Shilcock, HC swim club: first, 14 years 50m back (28.95) in a new Tas record; third, 100m backstroke (1.02.61). Jet Jankiewicz, of Hobart: first, 17-18 years MC 200m freestyle (2.10.30); second, MC 400m free (4:30.42).

The next event in the Tasmanian Ocean Swim Series is the Brooke Street Pier 1200 on January 2, starting at Seven Mile Beach, Hobart. Entries close at 4pm on January 1. Both the Port Sorell and Devonport Coles to Club ocean swims, scheduled for December 5 and 6, were postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

Entries are open for Swimming Tasmania's age sprint and relay championships at Launceston Aquatic Centre on January 30 and 31.

Entry is $17 per race and entries close on January 18. Swimming Tasmania has announced that all races will start at the deep end and end in the shallow. Swimmers at the shallow end in relay events will start racing in the water.

The 37th Masters Swimming Tasmania long course summer championships will take place at Hobart Aquatic Centre on March 20-21. A presentation lunch is scheduled to start 45 minutes after the end of racing on the Sunday.