UniSA Swimming Club is back at Strathalbyn for the 3rd summer series swim. The Men's Freestyle team all carpooled with Radek, Samuel, Alvin, and Andrew. This was a late change as Alex had to pull out last minute leading to race day. Kimberley met the boys at Strathalbyn as she trailed the car the whole way.
The day started with an introduction to our newest potential member as recommended by Leanne. Kimberley and Andrew introduced themselves to Nic Eldridge who works and lives near the city where the club trains.
Radek, Alvin, and Samuel were the first to race with the 3 of them swimming in the 100m breaststroke. This is Radek's first pool race with UniSA and the first in over 12 months since he competed in a pool. Alvin and Samuel were in the final heat going head to head. Samuel had a good start to hang the 50m turn first and ahead of Alvin by 0.5 seconds but lost his stamina and Alvin out-touched the field in a time of 1:25.07 and Samuel finished in 1:31.50 it was a great start to the meet with a close and interesting race.
Samuel backed his 100 Breaststroke swim with a 50m Freestyle race in the event directly after it with father and son in adjacent lanes. Samuel took the W over his dad in a time of 32.06 and Radek in a time of 39.58.
As always, 50m fly is the big race with Andrew, Alvin, and Kimberley in the final heat all next to each other. Alvin was quick off the blocks as usual and maintained the lead for the whole 29.11 with Andrew trailing in 29.78 and Kimberley followed up in 33.31.
Alvin swam his third and final individual race in the 100 Freestyle with Kimberley in the lane next to him again. This time, Alvin took it easy but still finished with an impressive time of 1:04.89 Alvin seemed pretty tired by the end of it with 3 races in the first 6 events.
Andrew was up next swimming the 400m... yes, you heard that right. Andrew is now middle to distance swimmer with all the open water swims he's been doing... he was ambitious with the 400 aiming for sub 5mins in LC. It was a tough feat that he was able to achieve back at his peak at age 14-17. Alvin had the stopwatches going during the race with the race plan discussed prior. The ideal goal was sub 5min but the backup plan was 5:20. Andrew was out fast in 1:10 with the plan of swimming at 1:15/100m pace. But for those who know Andrew, he's not very good with his endurance and quickly dropped off with 1:21, 1:25, and 1:24 for these 100m splits. Andrew touched the wall perfectly on his plan B time of 5:20.44. It was great timing and pacing with assistant coach Alvin on the sidelines waving Andrew on after each turn. Prospect coach in the making.
Kimberley's turn with the spotlight solely on her this time in the 200m Free race. Kimberley blitzed the field and touched first in a time of 2:31.59 to take the W over all the other competitors.
Samuel was initially entered in the 50m Backstroke, however, this was an error and was quickly changed to the 50m Breaststroke where he swam a time of 39.79. Next was Andrew and Radek in the 50m Breaststroke ... again. What is Andrew doing swimming Breaststroke?? Worst Breaststroke kick in the state and a horrific stroke for him. The only thing he has going on for him is his start and pull-out... Andrew touched the wall in 41.22 Radek was behind in 43.73.
The last race of the day was the Men's 4x50 Freestyle Relay. The order of swimmers was Samuel, Radek, Andrew, and Alvin. UniSA was neck to neck with the other clubs but got a superb lead when Andrew and Alvin anchored the team home to victory.
Its been another small attendance from the club but it has been a great experience and a new friendship was formed between the club and Nic.
Alvin
100m Breaststroke: 1:25.07
50m Butterfly: 29.11
100 Freestyle: 1:04.89
Andrew
50m Butterfly: 29.98
400m Freestyle: 5:20.44
50m Breaststroke: 41.22
Kimberley
50m Butterfly: 33.31
100m Freestyle: 1:06.59
200m Freestyle: 2:31.59
Radek
50m Freestyle: 39.58
50m Breaststroke: 43.73
Samuel
100m Breaststroke: 1:31.50
50m Freestyle: 32.06
50m Breaststroke: 39.79
Male 4x50m Freestyle Relay
Samuel Sztolc
Radek Sztolc
Andrew Truong
Alvin Fu
2:06.57
Full results are available here.