IT WAS going to be a tall order for Kempsey Swimming Club (KSC) to match their performance from the North Coast Long Course Championships earlier this year, but not only did they managed it, they also set the bar even higher.
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Ten swimmers represented Kempsey at the recent Division 1 North Coast Long Course Championship, and three came away as age champions, while the relay teams won three silver medals.
Max Farrell won the 15-year boys Age Champion, Adam Grant took out the 16-year boys Age Champion, while Josie Charlton scored the 17 yrs and over women's Age Champion.
"To get three age champions out of such a small club is incredible, all our swimmers worked very hard to achieve these results, we are extremely proud of them," Kempsey Swimming Club publicity officer, Simone Farrell said.
"Out of the 25 clubs at the meet, some had 50 swimmers in the pool, and most didn't win an age championship, let alone three."
The Open Men's 4x50 Medley Relay, Open Mixed 4x50 Medley Relay and Open Men's 4x50 Free Relay teams all came away with the silver.
Along with their second-place win, the teams also brought two new debutants into the fold and welcomed back an old face who had taken a long hiatus from competition.
"Brielle Woodger and Keeley Smith made their relay team debut for Kempsey in the Open 4x50 Medley Relay in Team 2," Simone said.
"Most of this squad have been trained by Tony for more than ten years; we are very lucky to have him here in Kempsey."
- Simone Farrell
"We also welcomed Mark Thurgood back into the pool and our squad after a long hiatus from the swim circuit."
Aside from the medals, KSC also managed to score exceptionally well in the overall point score, placing seventh out of the 25 other clubs, which ranged from Gloucester right up the coast to Tweed Heads.
However, Simone says the real achievement is the considerable number of new records set by the club members.
"Swimming is all about your PB (personal best), and the Kempsey team members came home with more than 33 new PB's between them," she said.
"The success of so many of our swimmers is a testament to coach Tony Hudson from Hudos Swim & Fitness; he knows how to train champions.
"Most of this squad have been trained by Tony for more than ten years; we are very lucky to have him here in Kempsey."
The Full Kempsey swimming team included:
- Beau Smith 10
- Keeley Smith 12
- Brielle Woodger 14
- Max Farrell 15
- Adam Grant 16
- Jake Shore 16
- Josie Charlton 17
- Kolby Wood 23
- Mark Thurgood 23
- Grace Ryan 24
Next on the block for the Kempsey Swimming Team is the NSW Senior State Age Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from December 12 to 17.
