The Open Water Swimming (OWS) Series round 4 brought over 350 swimmers down to Koombana Bay. The bay is a perfect spot to swim as its sheltered from south westerly winds and knowns for it calms waters. This round featured the massive 10km Western Australia State Championships whilst other distances ranged from 500m up to 10km.
The day was relatively cloudy, and waters were warmer than previous rounds. The WA State Championships saw over 50 swimmers challenge the 10km. It was great to see Queensland Open Water Swimming Team, a team of 8 swimmers and 3 coaches, travelled over for the event.
Jack Wilson (North Coast Swim Club, c: Ian Mills) took out gold for the males in the 10km, he finished with a time of 1:55:01.6. Jack said that “it feels pretty good to finally get an official open title”. Not long behind him was 20-year-old Robert Bonsall (North Coast Swim Club, c: Ian Mills) with 1:55:50.4. Kyle Lee (North Coast Swim Club, c: Ian Mills) and Byron Kimber (Westside Christchurch Aquatic, c: Jon Harrison) finished together within milliseconds at 1:57:47.7 and 1:57:47.9 respectively.
Chloe Truscott (North Coast Swim Club, c: Ian Mills) finished first female in the 10km swim for the second year in a row, with a time of 2:09:28.3. A couple of minutes later Sienna Deurloo (Toowoomba Grammar, QLD) came in next at 2:11:31.4, just milliseconds in front of Lauren Maguire (St Andrew’s, QLD). Westside Christchurch girls, Josie Page and Jessica Fry (c: Jon Harrison) won silver and bronze respectively out of the state.
In the 10km, the swimmer who finished closest to the incredibly fast time of 2:22:38.2 won a money prize. Out of 65 swimmers, Liv Smith (Scarborough Beach Swimming Club, c: Cameron Hawthorn) was the lucky winner! She finished with a time of 2:22:21.5. Liv mentioned, “It’s so good to have the crew down here from Scarborough Beach, it was actually kinda fun. I enjoyed it”. Well done, Liv!
Swimming WA are grateful for the City of Bunbury for their support and generosity to ensure the event ran successfully. City of Bunbury Mayor, Jaysen Miguel, joined us on the day to say a few words to the crowd.
Additionally, we would like to thank Wase Timing, RD Events, HMP, Bunbury Surf Lifesaving Club and Bunbury Swimming Club for their help.
Many volunteers gave up their time to help at the event and we couldn't thank them enough. Chief Referee, Mark Foster lead our technical officials; Steve Jones, Brie Runeckles, Stella Carrara, Robyn Arblaster, Trevor Verran, Lois Runeckles, Lois Wilson, Elissa Cox, Gregory Wilson, Ross Rodgers and Ian Arblaster.
Our official photographer for the OWS Series, The Nomad Company has captured some incredible shots from the weekend. To view the photos from Round 4: Bunbury, click here.
We are ready for you Rockingham! OWS Series is coming to you, for our first and only afternoon swim of the series on Sunday, 11 December. What better way to start the new week after a refreshing afternoon swim. Proudly presented by City of Rockingham. For more information on the OWS Series Round 5: Rockingham, click the image below. #comeswimwithus.
