A little over a year ago, flush with the excitement of competing at our first Nationals, Beluga conversation over celebratory drinks turned to what we might do next that could trump this meet. “Why stop at the Nationals!” announced Tracy. “The Worlds are in Auckland next year!”. This was met with much enthusiastic whooping and agreement by all assembled that this would be a ‘must-do’ event.

Fast forward a year and while the ranks of the ‘definites’ had inevitably thinned a little, there remained a committed core of club swimmers still locked in and ready to ‘dream large’ at WMG2017. And so eight Belugas – Ale, Camille, Kate, Maureen, Raoul, Richard, Tracy and Wayne – found themselves winging their way across the Tasman in late April, facing the challenge of pitting themselves against the world’s best.

Tracy’s sister-in-law Joanne and her husband Paul had (presumably in an unguarded moment, possibly while being plied by alcohol) offered their property as the ‘Olympic Village’ for the entire contingent to stay at. They proved the most generous and hospitable of hosts – warm, welcoming, unflappable and relaxed. Set in the lush rolling hills of Dairy Flat, there was a delightful accommodation block replete with pool table, kitchen, comfy lounges, a massive deck with view over verdant green, a swimming pool and a fire pit.

Night after night ever more amazing feasts were unveiled, accompanied by rather more wine and beer than a Beluga competing the next morning should probably be indulging in, but such was the vibe that it was desperately hard to resist.

As it turned out, the contingent was in such rare form that even daily over-indulgence in good food and wine had no discernable effect on the performances.

The first five days of competition were in the Sir Owen G Glenn National Aquatic Centre (AKA the Millennium Stadium), where the ‘indomitable seven’ (Kate didn’t compete, but was the heart and soul of the support crew) put in a truly inspiring set of performances: in 21 heats across 11 events, they set 18 personal bests and 13 brand new club records.

But there was more excitement yet to come. The final day of competition saw the Belugas competing in their natural home and favoured environment – the blue ocean. This event confirmed how truly world-class our swimmers are, with Tracy romping home for a gold medal and Ale snagging the bronze medal in their respective age categories in the 1.2km swim. Maureen also put in a wonderful swim in the 1.2km, Raoul and Wayne completed the 2.5km, and Richard was the hero of the day, doing the epic 5km swim.

WMG2017 was an absolute blast. Thanks to the whole contingent for some wonderful memories, and we look forward to an even larger team of Belugas heading to Japan for WMG2021!

WMG2017 – FULL MEET RESULTS 

WMG2017 – POOL MEET 
CR=Club Record, PB=Personal Best

WMG2017 – OPEN WATER 
Recreational=wetsuit, Championship=non-wetsuit