The fastest Swimmer’s in WA started February with a bang as the 2020 SunSmart Sprint Championships took place at HBF Stadium. With an immense amount of talent set to take to the pool in a dash for cash style format, spectators were treated to a spectacular showing of power, skill, and muscular endurance.
With prize money on the line and bragging rights for Clubs at stake, the 2020 SunSmart Sprint Championships was heavily supported by the WA Swimming community with 449 swimmers representing 30 Clubs converging on HBF Stadium.
Some of today’s highlights include;
Women’s 50m Butterfly Skins -
With Australia’s fastest sprinter, Holly Barratt (Rockingham, c: Will Scott, WAIS) and young gun Kate Harrison (Westside Christchurch, c: Jon Harrison) headlining the 50m Butterfly skins, the pace was sure to be on from the start. Through the early rounds, Barratt looked strong holding off Harrison and Vienne Seneque (St Hilda’s, c: Deb Jones), however as the races went off, the fatigue set in for Barratt. In the end, Harrison proved too strong with Seneque claiming second and Barratt being eliminated with one race to go, to claim third place.
Men’s 50m Backstroke Skins
In what was a massive surprise, fastest seed, Remy Seneque (St Hilda’s, c: Deb Jones) was eliminated in the first round leaving the field wide open. This allowed Joshua Edwards-Smith (UWA-West Coast, c: Michael Shaw) and TJ Chong-Sue (UWA-West Coast, c: Rob Palfery) the chance to build through the rounds, eventuating in an epic showdown for first place. Unfortunately for Chong-Sue, the 200m Backstroke Australian Age Record Holder was too strong, leading from start to finish and claiming victory easily.
Women’s 50m Breaststroke Skins
The Women’s 50m Breaststroke, albeit the most predicable final, proved to be the most exhilarating finish with only 0.05 of a second separating first and second. Through the early rounds it was clear there was a race in three as Talara-Jade Dixon (St Hilda’s, c: Deb Jones), Crystal Edwards (UWA-West Coast, c: Michael Shaw) and Seria Hasebe (Westside Christchurch, c: Jon Harrison) powered away from the field. In the final elimination race, Hasebe was over-powered by Dixon and Edwards who swam from the middle lanes, which set up a cracking final. In the final, Dixon was up and stroking first, pulling away slightly, however, as always Edwards dug deep and leveled up going into the final 15m. The pair swam stroke for stroke into the finish was Edwards just winning the battle to touch in 33.90 ahead of Dixon in 33.95.
With the conclusion of all the individual events, the point totals were added to show St Hilda’s as the SunSmart Sprint Club Champions for 2020.
Once again, we would like to thank the generosity of the Swimming WA Officials and volunteers who give up their time to ensure the success of Championships meets such as this.
For full results click here.
