Barracudas rule the pool with success at North West Open

Broome Barracudas Swimming Club returned home from the North West Open competition with a comprehensive medal haul, with four local athletes winning event trophies.

A total of 18 local swimmers and their families travelled to Karratha for the competition on April 13 and 14, with 240 competitors from across the North West involved.

A total of 109 medals were awarded to Broome athletes over the weekend, with 71 gold, 27 silver and 11 bronze won. The swimmers also recorded 115 personal best times.

Belinda Cole, 12, was awarded the Intermediate Swimmer of the Meet, after excelling over the weekend. Conor Stone, also 12, won the Boys Intermediate Swimmer of the Meet award.

In the senior category, Talara-Jade Dixon, 16, and Joe Handscombe, 15, were awarded the Swimmer of the Meet accolades in their respective girls’ and boys’ divisions.

Broome Barracudas president Sandra Jeffrey said the competitors had done themselves proud.

“We are extremely pleased with the performances of the athletes in the competition,” she said.

“The number of medals we won shows the athletes’ commitment to training and there were some outstanding showings from the Broome kids.”

A number of Broome teenagers have also competed across Australia in competitions this year.

Talara-Jade Dixon participated in the 2013 Australian Age Championships in Adelaide earlier this month, taking part in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events.

Fraser Jeffrey, 15, competed in the 2013 Vorgee Northern Territory Open and Age Championships in Darwin at the end of March, winning one silver and six bronze medals.

Belinda Cole took home three silver and one bronze medal at the Junior Long Course State Championships in Perth on the first weekend of April.

Broome Barracudas Swimming club was also quick to thank the Department of Sport and Recreation for their ongoing support and helping swimmers to be able to compete at these events