Sunday saw many club Records tumble to some scintillating swims. These included several PB’s. It was a memorable day in the pool (and out of the pool, more later on that).

Sunday started with the 200m freestyle, Maureen (3:50.40) and Janet (3:51.74 ) followed by Paul (2:55.44 – PB by 10 seconds!), Sandy (3:08.83 Club Record), Duncan (3:07.31), Tracy (2:59.58 Club Record and PB), Wayne (3:02 CR), Vito (3:00.91 CR & PB), Raoul (2:37.89 CR & PB ), Anthony (2:43.96), Alexandra (2:45.36, CR).

50m breaststroke:
Maureen (58.82) Vito (53.07), Jaye (50.13), Duncan (43.20), Paul (46.41 CR), Raoul (45.27 CR), Mike (38.80 CR)

200IM
Wayne (DNF), Duncan (3:29.84), Paul (3:28.62), Jaye (3:31.79 CR ), Mke (3:11.49, CR), Raoul(3:18.67 CR), Alexandra (3:07.02 CR).

Freestyle relays (Women’s and Men’s)
Two exceptionally good-looking teams took to the blocks, with both posting terrific times well under those nominated. Women: 2’47.73; Men: 2’19.13.

Summary Highlights of the Nationals (in random order):

Controversial, amusing, cute:
The last 100 of Anthony’s 800 (requires video analysis), Wayne’s dives (entertaining, horsey?, thanks paul), the fawlty towers coffee experience day 3, the crazy 800 swimmer who tried to take out Raoul, hugging etiquitte not observed according to Vito, Anthony’s comment “went for coffee waiting for Raoul to finish”, Leonardo’s comment “I can’t believe my mum is so good” (neither can we!). Ingrid & Heidi (we shall say no more).

More serious:
Opening ceremony, day 4 food (thanks to all the creative cooks), Turner birthday cake, exciting photo finish between Duncan and Paul. Paul and Duncan best overall improvers (PBs in every event they entered!), Sue & Paul’s impressive 400 IM performances, Raoul’s 200 free (with the first 100  a sizzler), Sandy’s first meet swimming in individual events, Ale’s 200 IM (she made it look easy!), and lastly Mike’s haul of medals, great stuff.

Never have more options for improving swim times been discussed by Belugas, including alternative race strategies. The need for coaching being the most agreed must-do.

Special thanks to our loyal supporters Richard, Judy, Diego, Daniel, Leo, Isa, Orla, Susanne, Beryl, Lex, Joe, and Kate. Camille, we missed you and wish you a speedy recovery!

Post-meet resolutions: Sandy will extract the pool buoy, Tracey & Paul will swim in the fast lane, Wayne will step up to lane 2, Anthony will arrive on time, Kate will swim with the squad, Judy will compete at the next meet, Maureen will swim 50 fly individually or in the IM relay at the next meet, Jaye will nail the 100 butterfly, Raoul will stop following and do more leading in the fast lane, and Paul will do the winter pier to pub without a wet suit!

The dinners. We had 2 groups, the ones that were lucky(?) to get a ticket (men plus Jaye) and the breakaway ladies plus Mike group. Photos were sent of everyone having a great time and a well deserved celebration.

Of most note at the official dinner was the Belugas, clear winners of the most under-dressed award (except Jaye who looked lovely).

Some very serious talk starting over drinks about the Auckland World Masters in April 2017!

FULL MEET RESULTS