Our club’s third trip back out to the Rowing Regatta in Penrith provided the setting for the State Age Champs over the 5 kilometre distance. 

Clare Payne, Joshua Scott, and Chad Schneider all made the journey out for the late morning swim. The day was hot, and the water certainly was up from our first encounter with the course just six short weeks ago. (What a busy six weeks those have been!!)

Joshua led the club with a strong time of 1hour 16min 48sec. Having swum alone for the first time over that distance, I couldn’t be more proud of the swim.  Finishing 18th place in the state isn’t such a bad thing either!  Well done, Josh.

Clare took home our club’s only points score; snagging an 8th place finish in the state for the 18&over age category.  Her time of 1hr 22min 55sec was right on target to her swim at the same location in November.  This was a great result taking into account her ability to balance the corporate Christmas season with marathon swimming training. 

Chad brought home the wooden spoon for finishing dead last upon all participants.  But as a very wise woman once said, “Last place is first, it just depends on what direction you’re pointing.”  A personal best distance and time in open freshwater was well worth the effort, and the experience was great heading toward the season finale in New Zealand.

Great swims, guys.  Keep up the good work!