Laurieton’s swimmers set to make a splash at short course championships

LAURIETON Swimming Club (LSC) members are preparing for the 2025 Swimming North Coast (Short Course (SC) Championships from 21-22 June.

The championship will take place simultaneously in two locations, the Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Forster in the south and the Evans Heads Aquatic Centre in the north.

The LSC team competing at the southern venue includes Max Bott, Georgia Cass, Isabella Fede, Etienne, Pierre and Talya Giuliani, Larni and Maya Hardy, Leah and Thomas Hayward, Harry Santman, Michael Tinker and Emily Wheadon.

Five LSC members tuned up their strokes earlier this month at the Forster Aquatic qualifying meet.

All local competitors achieved fantastic results, swimming their way to nine new personal best times and eleven podium finishes.

Representing LSC were Max Bott, Etienne Giuliani, Emily Wheadon and siblings Harry and Walter Santman.

Walter was ecstatic with his performance in Forster.

“I was so surprised when I came first in breaststroke and very excited to win two medals,” he said.

“However, I won’t be swimming at the (North Coast) championships because there are no 25m races being held.”

Emily and Max echoed Walter’s sentiments, with both swimmers adding they were “looking forward” to their next races.

Etienne, who recently traded his swimming googles in for trainers, will be drawing inspiration from his selection in the North Coast Cross Country team to fuel his swimming endeavors.

“With Laurieton Swimming Pool now closed, my training moved onto the track,” said Etienne.

“Last Friday I qualified for the North Coast Cross Country Under 12 team, after running 3000m at full pace across a muddy and hilly course, making all the early morning beach running and school gym sessions totally worth it.

“I’m looking forward to representing LSC at the Championships this weekend with my brother Pierre and sister Talya and I am determined to give it everything I’ve got.”

By Kim AMBROSE