After six days of fierce competition of the World Championship Trials, the stage is now set for swimmers to represent the nation at the World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. The final day of Trials not only witnessed fast racing but also marked the announcement of the Australian Dolphins team. Let's take a look at the achievements and recognition earned on yesterday’s final night of competition.
Ashton Brinkworth (UWA West Coast/WAIS) secured his position in the men’s 50m freestyle A final and finished in eighth place with a time of 22.71. Joining him in the event but in the B final was George Williams (c: Zoe Baker), a visitor from New Zealand swimming under Peel Aquatic, finished in fifth place.
In the women's 50m freestyle B final, Inez Miller (St Hilda’s, c: Deb Jones) finished in sixth place. The final WA representative for the night was Damian Badenhorst (Rockingham/WAIS), in the men's 100m butterfly B final. The 19-year-old secured a fifth place finish amongst a field of incredible swimmers.
In the morning’s 1500m freestyle timed final event, Rosie Wilson (11th) gave a solid performance clocking in with a time of 17:41.39.
Throughout Trials, Western Australia proudly witnessed 27 finals swims, with four A final top-three finishes. Our WA swimmers have exhibited their utmost dedication and competed at the highest level alongside the nation's finest. As Trials concluded, the Australia Dolphins team for the upcoming World Aquatics Championships was announced and it was a moment of celebration and recognition for our open water athletes and coaches.
Mel Tantrum, our State Technical Director, along with North Coast Head Coach Ian Mills and swimmers Kyle Lee and Jack Wilson, were acknowledged on their appointment to the Australian Dolphins team. Mills and Wilson will be making their debut as part of the Dolphins, a remarkable achievement that we sincerely applaud.
Swimming WA extends our wishes to all the swimmers, coaches and support staff who have contributed to making Trials a success.
