KNYSNA NEWS - Seven Fish Eagle Masters participated in the 34th SA Masters National Swimming Championship recently and did exceptionally well for such a small club.
The Fish Eagles, a team comprising swimmers from Knysna, Sedgefield and George, competed in the championship held at Hillcrest pool in Pretoria from 14 to17 March.
This year, 474 swimmers from 27 clubs took part and there were even some international swimmers from Poland and the UK present. The Fish Eagle Masters scooped up 18 medals this year.
Swimming pool events
In the swimming pool events Pippy Bishop (36) won a silver and two bronze medals; Lanie Farrelly (56) won a silver and three bronze; Mike McDonald (73) won a bronze; Tanya Osborne (45) won gold, four silver and a bronze medal; and Monique Roos (35) won a bronze as well.
New Fish Eagle member and first-time national championship swimmer André Weideman (47) came out pumping in his freestyle events but sadly missed a medal by milliseconds. Veteran swimmer Judy Dixon (77) was once again a big inspiration to the team with her positive and determined attitude.
Open-water swim
The open-water swim on Sunday 18 March was held at Ebotse (CR Swart) dam in Benoni in miserable and windy conditions. After a long and tiring four days of swimming, the participants braved the cold and choppy water.
Bishop (gold), Dixon (silver), Farrelly and Weideman swam the 1km race, while Osborne (silver) swam the 3km race and was also the second overall lady to finish the race.
This year Osborne was awarded SA Master colours for open-water swimming – a fantastic achievement and the Fish Eagles are very proud of their team-mate.
Not only did the team make an impression in the water but the sponsored gear had other teams looking on with envy. The colourful costumes, especially, drew a great deal of compliments during the relay races.
Join the team!
Next year the nationals will be held in Port Elizabeth from 20 to 24 March, and we encourage interested swimmers to contact Judy Dixon on 072 390 6667 to join in this event. It is not just about winning but about fitness, friendship, sportsmanship, team spirit and most of all, fun.
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