FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The 2023 State SC Championship heralded the end of the Short-Course season and what a way to lower the curtain until the 2024 short course season. We were pleased to welcome and include several interstate clubs and trust they enjoyed their time in SA.
The results of the meet and acknowledgement of individual trophy winners have been promulgated on our Face-book page. Congratulations to those athletes who earned that success and recognition.
Congratulations to the Marion Club for their success in winning the various Club trophies and Shield in the point-score awards.
It is appropriate to recognize again that 766 athletes from 37 competing teams generated 4119 entries across the Championship meet.
Nine athletes added their names to the Record Books with 21 Multi-Class, 14 State, 6 All-comers and 2 Relay Records broken over the course of the meet.
Fifty-nine of swimmers achieved 2023 Australian Short Course qualifying time in 198 events. “WOW” is the word !!!
The results of these achievements caused me to reflect on the nature and quality of the young people who participate in our great sport. Perhaps they were inspired by the result of our National Team in the recent World Championship in Fukuoka? I have no doubt that is an element, but believe the achievements are a credit not only to the commitment and dedication of the athletes themselves, but to the coaches, carers and parents who encourage and support those they are responsible for in a positive and nurturing way. Fun first is the road to success.
I was taken by the news that a few of our young athletes have decided to “retire” from competitive swimming but again it demonstrates a level of maturity and self determination in that each have decided that the next stage of their life involved choosing a career path and attaining the necessary experience and qualifications to achieve their goals.
It is my belief that our sport has assisted them in making those decisions. The commitment and self-discipline required for success in life is well instilled as they progress through the ranks and levels of competition. They learn to take advice and guidance about goal setting and those factors that ensure success in the pool – and so it is as they move into the next chapter in their lives.
For those who have “shelved the kick board and hung up the flippers” the swimming community wish you well. I trust you will retain the connections and friendships you have established in swimming. Don’t let any obstacles you may encounter deter you from your goal. You have proven you have the determination and will to achieve. As you have done throughout your time in swimming; “head down, bum up and go for it”.
Peter Graham OAM
Chair – Swimming SA
Life Member Swimming Australia.
