CONDITIONS were hot in and out of the pool at the recent Tamworth City swimming carnival where 249 competitors faced the starter and the mercury soared to 42 degrees.
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A squad of 16 from Swimming Gunnedah bagged 16 gold, eight silver and 10 bronze medals in a very competitive field.
The club’s tadpoles were in fine form with Eddie Waerea, 7, winning four gold medals after eclipsing his entry times in four events. Extra attention to his kick at training saw an improvement of 5.74 seconds in the 50m breaststroke for a strong win.
Eight-year-old Liette Tindall continued her good form winning the 50m and 100m backstroke, butterfly and freestyle events and picking up a bronze in breaststroke.
The open splash for cash proved a financial bonus for Liam Novley, 16, who registered a personal best time of 26.28 seconds to grab the coveted purse. Liam finished the day with three first placings and two seconds.
Kurt Rennick’s racing skills are improving at every meet earning him first place and a personal best time of 28.26 seconds in freestyle. Kurt slashed five seconds from his best to win the medley, with second place in the 50m and 100m fly and 50m breaststroke.
Andre Steele, 13, made his debut appearance for the club at Tamworth and was happy to take home silver in backstroke. He just missed a medal in fly but gained valuable racing experience.
Brothers Archie, 13, and Angus Waerea, 11, were in good form, with Archie shaving 5.68 seconds from his best to grab a bronze in breaststroke, with a personal best time of 29.34 seconds in freestyle earning him a bronze in a competitive field. He also came third in fly and backstroke.
Angus improved his time by five seconds for a bronze in the medley, while clubmate Angus Hobson (9) nailed a bronze in fly.
Maddie Coombs registered a personal best time to claim first place in freestyle and butterfly, adding a gold in the 50m backstroke and bronze in the 100m event to her collection.
The 10-years division was very competitive and Savannah Lyons did well to finish second in fly and third in freestyle, while training mate Amelia Lush (11) came third in freestyle. Although unplaced in the 100m backstroke, Amelia improved her entry time by seven seconds.
Medals were elusive for Georgia Lyons, 8, Scout Newbery, Charlie Hobson, 10, Brodie Coombs, Jedd Rennick, both 11, and Brooke Rennick, 13, but they all claimed personal victories with improved times.