Records break at Jewish champs
TWO records that have been held for over a decade were broken at the Seafolly 63rd NSW Jewish Swimming Championships at the Des Renford Aquatic Centre on the weekend.
TWO records that have been held for over a decade were broken at the Seafolly 63rd NSW Jewish Swimming Championships at the Des Renford Aquatic Centre on the weekend.
More than 150 Jewish swimmers hit the pool in what was a hugely successful event run by the Maccabi Swimming Club.
“It was great to see the whole community getting behind swimming and helping out on the day,” club president Amanda Penkin told The AJN.
“We needed 24 timekeepers to make the meet official for those members of swim clubs who are trying to qualify for Maccabiah this year, and parents and friends of swimming stood up to the task.”
Two huge achievements in both the men’s and women’s 100m freestyle events highlighted the day, with Kyron Israelsohn breaking David Rifkin’s 2002 record in a time of 55.43s, and Jenna-Rose Gold topping Sarah Dickinson’s 2001 record in a time of 1.02.32.
“Kyron was obviously imposing on the day,” club vice-president Anthony Goodridge said.
“He was able to swim within himself to win the 100 freestyle and break the record.
“[Meanwhile] Jenna-Rose looked very good in her 100m freestyle and she was pushed all the way by Mikaela Rifkin.”
Another stand-out on the day was 10-year-old Isabella Coghlan, who beat all the 11 and 12-year-olds to win the 12-and-under 200m individual medley.
The times were all the more impressive, with the event held in the outdoor Olympic-size pool for the first time, where the wind was a factor.
“All swimmers did struggle with the conditions,” Goodridge said.
“Holding the meet outdoors was a challenge for them and for our organising committee, especially considering the meet began with us smearing on sunscreen and finished with us praying for the rain and lightning to hold off.
“But that said, we had great racing and a terrific turnout, particularly in the younger age groups.”
Club organisers were very happy with the success of the event and hope that the swimmers can continue their form into the upcoming competitions.
“We hope that this event has set up our Jewish swimmers for the school year and hopefully beyond, such as other carnivals and events,” Penkin said.
“We encourage all those who want to swim with a club that understands the community’s needs, gain official times and get race practice to enquire about us.”
For more information, visit www.maccabi.com.au/NSW/MASC
AJN Staff
Photo: Allan Crown
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