Big weekend in the ‘Bool

SOME of Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club’s youngest competitors have shone bright on sand and water at last weekend’s junior state championships.

Bathed in sunshine and with the temperature hitting the high 30s last weekend, the beach was the place to be and there was plenty of action in and out of the water with the running of the junior lifesaving championships.

According to the club’s vice-president and head coach, Travis Madigan, the young lifesavers performed “amazingly well” at the event, bringing home 22 medals from the carnival.

“I could not be prouder of them all,” Madigan said.

“We had over 700 nippers at the championships, representing clubs from all over the state, and for our small club to win that many medals and to record 27 top five finishes, just outside of medal contention, in so many events was simply amazing.

“Warrnambool had 68 competitors entered which is a huge feat in itself for us. They’ve all been training since last October for the state championships, which is a huge commitment not just from the kids but their families as well.

“We’re a very family-orientated club and that really shows at events like this.”

According to Madigan, last weekend’s results – which saw the club finish 10th overall from around 40 clubs – was one of the best to date.

“It was a very hot weekend and everyone showed great determination, skills and resilience. The crowds were huge which really spurred everyone on.”

Three Warrnambool members took out multiple medals over the weekend.

Molly McNeil won silver in the flags event and long run as well as a medal in the board relay.

Hugh Fawcett won gold in board and bronze in both the iron and board relay, while Lenny Chiller won gold in the board race and bronze in the under 9 flags and board relay.

The state championships gave youngsters from under nine through to under 13 the opportunity to compete in a variety of events both on sand and in the water.

Friday saw competitors enjoy the sprint, long run, relays and flag events on the sand.

The following two days were water events and included the board race, swim, wade and (on Sunday) teams events such as swim, board relay and acqua cam.

With great results from the state championships, the Warrnambool club will now send a contingent of youth and seniors to the national championships in Maroochydore next month.