Young swimmers competing at the Kimberley Open Short Course.
UPDATE: The Broome Barracudas swimming club has achieved a remarkable victory at the Kimberley Short Course swimming competition, wrapping up the event this weekend with several young athletes shining brightly. In a stunning display of talent, Jasper Barnett and Tate Beatty, both aged 13, were crowned the intermediate male and female swimmers of the meet.
The competition, which ran from September 27 to 29, featured fierce rivalries and impressive performances. Notably, Matilda Beatty, 15, of the Broome Barracudas, and Lochlan Penegar, 17, from Westside Christchurch Aquatic, clinched the titles for the senior female and male swimmers of the meet, respectively.
In the junior categories, Nate Andrews, 10, tied with Oliver Keilly, 11, from Onslow Occys Swimming Club, for the junior male swimmer of the meet. Meanwhile, Bianca Pritchard, 11, from Fenix Swimming Club, took home the title for the junior female swimmer of the meet.
Broome Barracudas president Melita Grant expressed her excitement over the success of this year’s competition, stating, “We had a great competition. We had 90 swimmers and about 10 splash and dash young kids competing, along with several national swimmers, so the competition was top class.”
The event also featured a raffle with enticing prizes. Catherine Gale won the first prize, a brand-new iPhone 16, while Emily Pollard secured a lifestyle pack as the second prize. Other winners included Sara Anderson, who took home a fishing pack, and Kelly Ford, who won a swimming pack.
The Broome Barracudas club extends its gratitude to sponsors for their support in providing lanes, medals, trophies, and marshalling. Grant also acknowledged the efforts of Deb Jones from Fenix Swim Club for conducting a breaststroke and butterfly clinic, as well as the contributions from the organizing committee and officials.
As the community celebrates these achievements, all eyes will be on the Broome Barracudas as they prepare for future competitions, aiming to continue their winning streak. Stay tuned for more updates on the local swimming scene.
