Good turnout at Australia Day surf lifesaving club’s swimming competition in Geraldton

About 85 competitors turned up to brave windy conditions at Champion Bay Surf Lifesaving Club’s Australia Day swim on Saturday.

They competed in four events — a one kilometre junior swim, and open swims of 1.5km, 3km and 6km.

Abbey Carter won the girls’ one kilometre junior challenge with Isobelle Warren the runner-up. The boys’ junior champion was Matthew Chamberlain and the runner-up was Mathijs Travasso.

The adult events recognised two sets of winners — the legend category for over 35s and the open category.

Holly Marinovich won the women’s 1.5km Challenge Legend with Joanne Horrex the runner-up. Male Legend was Scott Bennett with runner-up Paul Taylor. Bianca O’Malley took top honours in the female open with runner-up Tammy O’Malley. Male open went to Kelly Giles with runner-up Zac Gildersleeve.

In the 3km challenge the female Legend was Dianne Bowman and Julie Myers was runner-up. Bruce Bowman won the men’s Legend category, and Karl Pirrotinna was runner-up. Female open winner was Amber Jackson, and runner up Danika Barras. Brock Gildersleeve won the Male open with runner up Jonathon McKenzie.

There were only six entrants in the 6km challenge, all over 35 years of age. Anita Krippner won the female Legend in the 6km challenge, and because she was the sole female competitor there was no runner-up. Male Legend was Jason Potts with runner-up Peter Nelson.

There were two additional honours recognised across all categories. The most senior competitor was Jan Gill, and the competitor who came closest to her nominated time was Jade Bavoillot.

Club president Peter Nelson said he was pleased with the turnout, although there were fewer competitors than last year when numbers were swelled by the 2018 Country Carnival.

The club’s next open event will be the 25-hour swim beginning at noon on Easter Saturday and continuing through the night until noon on Easter Sunday.

Solo competitors are welcome, as are relay teams of four, 10 and a corporate category.