Sixteen swimmers proudly represented Australia at the recent 2024 Oceania Championships, held on the Gold Coast from April 21-24.
Among them, were four outstanding WA athletes: Lucas Fackerell, Jackson Anderson, Sylvia Czajko, and Sam Hicks. Their selection came on the heels of incredible performances at the Australian Age Championships, earning them the opportunity to compete for Australia.
The Oceania Championships provided a perfect platform for swimmers to test their mettle against a diverse international field comprising 15 countries. Australia fielded the largest contingent, followed by Fiji and New Zealand.
For Fackerell (Breakers, c: Harry Clark), the Championships marked a tremendous milestone so far in his career.
"The Oceania Championships were a great experience, being my first opportunity to represent Australia," said Fackerell.
"It was such an honour to wear the green and gold cap and to share that experience with some of the best age swimmers in Australia."
Fackerell dominated the men's 400m freestyle and engaged in a thrilling battle with Australian teammate Charlie Russell (QLD) in the men's 200m freestyle, with Russell edging him out by a mere 0.27 seconds.
Hicks (Westside Christ Church, c: Will Greenwood) and Czajko (UWA West Coast, c: Rob Palfery) secured two gold medals in their respective individual events. Hicks thwarted competitors from Tonga in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events, while Czajko tied for gold with teammate Lillie McPherson (NSW) in the women's 100m freestyle and won her second gold in the women's 50m freestyle on the final day.
Jackson Anderson (Highlander’s, c: Ryan Steenkamp) had an eventful three weeks of intense competition on the Gold Coast. From the Australian Age Championships to the Australian Open Championships and culminating in the Oceania Championships, Anderson took home bronze medals in the 50m and 100m freestyle events.
Australia's dominance extended to the relay events, with the team winning gold in all relay events. One particularly exciting event was the mixed 4x50m medley relay, where Australia and New Zealand competed fiercely for gold. In the end, it was Sylvia Czajko who touched the wall first and secured another gold medal for Australia with a lead of 1.88 seconds over New Zealand.
