Broome’s swimming stars make a splash

Broome’s young swimming stars made a splash at a prestigious competition earlier this month, competing against their equivalents from all over Australia to win a collective total of 91 medals.

The 2015 Kimberley Open Short Course Swimming Championships were held in Broome on October 3 and 4, with visiting clubs from New South Wales, Northern Territory and both metropolitan and regional WA.

A total of 17 teams took part in the two-day extravaganza, with the Broome Barracudas recording 29 gold medals, 26 silver and 36 bronze.

Local teenager Talia Wilkinson was named as junior female swimmer of the meet, while Belinda Cole took out the same accolade in the senior section.

Broome Barracudas president Sandra Jeffery said that the local athletes all acquitted themselves well.

“It was a very successful weekend and a great opportunity for our local kids to compete against swimmers from many different clubs and for them to see the results of all their hard training,” she said.

“Our club coaches were very impressed with our swimmers who swam 191 personal best times and the kids were also very pleased with their results.”

Ms Jeffery said the competition was well received by those visiting Broome.

“Visitors to the meet commented on the great location, friendly welcoming atmosphere and fantastic swim meet, with many already planning to return again next year,” she said.

“The success of the weekend wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of the Department of Sport and Recreation, our sponsors and the volunteers and officials from both Broome Barracudas Swimming Club and all other visiting clubs.”

Broome’s best will compete in the local Club Championships in November, while a host of Kimberley athletes are eyeing up the Country Championships in Perth in January 2016.

The Broome Barracudas are open to new members; for more information e-mail broomebarracudas@yahoo.com.au.