This was the club's biggest open water swim event and as it should be considering its State Championships.
There were 2 options for State Champs with either a 1km race or a 3 km race. out of the 7 swimmers, only Liam had the effort to complete the 3km race and take it out as the overall winner. The other 6 swimmers were Andrew, Eli, Samuel, Radek, Alex, and Kim who all competed in the 1km. Andrew and Alex were in the same age group however, only 1 person would be crowned as state champ and win some prizes.
As Liam started before the other 6 swimmers, he had a powering lead and swam so fast that he was losing his green cap that was provided and had to stop to readjust. He ended up chasing the other swimmer who could match his speed and talent. It was a sprint to the finish line (although you are not to run to the finish line). Liam was able to finish first by 10s and took home overall winner. overall male swimmers, and age group champ. What an achievement.
The other 6 swimmers were determined to win in their age group with Andrew and Alex taking the lead out early and were neck to neck for the first 400m before the first turn. Andrew was in the wrong position going into the turn and lost Alex and was unable to keep up with him for the rest of the race. Alex ended up finishing first in his age group followed by Andrew 51 seconds behind to be 1st runner up.
Word on the street was that Eli was hunting Liam down and planned to finish before him... She definitely achieved that. Eli finished the race first in her age group just behind Andrew by 29 seconds. Samuel and Kim also finished first in their age group. 5 out of the 7 swimmers took out the gold and crowned state champ. Radek was closely behind Samuel again today with a finishing time of 21:43.1 to Samuel's time of 21:32.1. We are thriving off this father-son rivalry.
As UniSA had so many first-place finishers, we received a trophy for the highest average points. Well done to all who swam today. The club is looking strong in the pool and the ocean.
3km
Liam McHugh
39:19.8 - 25-29 Male State Champ and Overall Winner
1km
Elinor Teo
17:15.1 - 18-24 Female State Champ and 9th Overall Female
Samuel Sztolc
21:32.1 - 18-24 Male State Champ
Alex Ljamin
15:44.9 - 25-29 Male State Champ and 5th Overall Male
Andrew
16:36.1 - 25-29 Male Runner-Up and 10th Overall Male
Kim Le
23:46.3 - 35-39 Male State Champ
Radek Sztolc
21:43.1 - 50-54 Male 4th Overall
