GUNNEDAH swimmers Maddie Coombs and Andre Steele were part of the New England North West swim team at the recent 2019 Senior Area Representative Meet at Woy Woy.
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The squad aims to provide opportunities for area coaches and swimmers in the same age bracket to come together and continue along their swimming development pathway.
The squad faced tough opposition at Woy Woy, with the Gunnedah pair competing in a number of events.
Andre Steele's determined effort to finally crack the minute for 100m freestyle was the highlight of his day, with the 15-year-old stopping the clock at 59.54 seconds, finishing seventh overall.
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He also claimed second place in the 15 and over 100m butterfly and was part of the NENW medley rely team which finished third.
The exciting Skins events attracted a large field, with competitors eliminated from each heat. After 2-3 minute rest they are into the semi-finals, followed by a two-minute rest before the elimination round and then the final.
Maddie Coombs registered a personal best of 29 seconds in the heats and made it through to the final, finishing in a creditable eighth place from a starting line-up of 32 swimmers. Andre Steele nailed a bronze in the 50m freestyle Skins recording a personal best of 26.34 seconds in the heats.
Maddie Coombs went on to register a personal best of 1:04.46, finishing ninth in the 100m freestyle, just two seconds away from a medal. She also competed in the 100m backstroke clipping two seconds from her entry time.
Coach Nicolas Monet congratulated the squad for their efforts in and out of the pool, which saw the New England and North West team finish second overall.
"Well done for the awesome PBs, the perseverance and determination during races, the good work during warm-ups, dry land and swim downs, and the second placed team overall," he said.
"I think we definitely achieved our goal of working as a team - it was a pleasure to work with you. Best of luck for your future goals."
He also thanked the parents for their support, and Gunnedah technical official Brian Coombs for being part of the team.
