These are the words of Swimming Gunnedah coach John Hickey who accompanied a squad of 18 athletes to the annual Wee Waa swimming carnival.

“Each age group has an outstanding swimmer and it’s not a coincidence that we compete very strongly in relays,” he said.

“It was an aim to break some pool records to build confidence, so mission accomplished on this front - with five pool records falling to the Gunnedah club.”

Hickey said it is now “back to building a bigger base” with the aim of being ready for the big races in February-March.

The club netted 30 gold, 17 silver and 13 bronze medal placings at the carnival in hot conditions, with pool records going to Darcy Hannaford and Savannah Lyons (11 years 33m backstroke), Amelia Lush (12 years 33m backstroke/11-12 years 100m backstroke) and Chloe Sumpter (14 and over 33m breaststroke).

Club members welcomed the return of Archie Waerea (14) who has been at boarding school.

The talented teen won four races with a silver in the 33m breastroke, while younger brother Angus (12) finished the day with six silver medal placings. The family’s tadpole Edward (8) won three events with a second in the 33m backstroke.

Tiny tot Alexis Campbell (6) came second in the 7 and under 25m freestyle , while Dana Campbell (9) won the 33m breaststroke and twin Eliza registered Improved times.

Darcy Hannaford (11) continued his good form against tough competition, with two gold, two silver and two bronze, while little sister Audrey (9) turned in a determined performance to claim gold in the 100m and 33m backstroke, with a silver in freestyle and a bronze in fly.

In the 12 years division, rising young star Amelia Lush broke two records and won five events with second place in fly and third place in the 11-12 years 100m freestyle. Newcomer Olivia Fenton competed in this division with pleasing times and valuable experience.

Angus Hobson (9) continued his good form, winning four events and placing third in another. As anchorman for the 10 and under relay, the youngster came from behind to give his team a well earned victory.

 A fighting finish in the 33m butterfly gave Scout Newbery a satisfying gold, with third place in the 100m breaststroke, while club mate Savannah Lyons (11) claimed a record in backstroke, won two other events and finished second in the 33m fly and third in the 100m event.

A determined competitor in every race, 14-year-old Chloe Sumpter won the 33m breaststroke in pool record time and picked up a further three gold, a silver in the medley and three bronze medal placings.

Competing at his first open carnival, Hugh Kennedy claimed four bronze placings with a hard-fought second place in the 100m backstroke, while Ben McCumstie flew into third place in the 33m backstroke.

Emerging youngster Danika Jones (9) won the 33m butterfly with third place in backstroke, while Georgia Lyons also performed well and took part in the relays.

The relays are an exciting end to any carnival, with Gunnedah winning the open, 12 and under and 10 and under relays in pleasing times. A second team in the 12s finished third.

Training will continue through the school holidays with those wanting to prepare  for school carnivals encouraged to join the squad.