In an exciting kick off to the Australian Open Water Championships, Wednesday proved to be a pivotal day as young talents from WA dominated for podium finishes to earn spots for the upcoming World Junior Championships in Italy. Junior Worlds Head Coach Mel Tantrum has her eye on Xavier Collins (Westside Christchurch, c: Jon Harrison) and Lucas Fackerell (Breakers, c: Harry Clark).
In the boys 18-year-old category, Collins secured a silver ahead of his Westside teammate Kristian Seidl. Meanwhile, in the boys 17-year-old category, WA boys dominated the 7.5km. Fackerell, known for his pool success, ventured into open water early in the season and secured the gold in the 7.5km event, ahead of South Shore boys Thomas Dreverman and Samuel Zollner.
The men’s 10km event delivered a thrilling finish between Noosa’s Thomas Raymond and North Coast’s Robert Bonsall (c: Ian Mills), with Raymond narrowly edging out Bonsall by a few seconds. Bonsall explained his strategy, stating, “I wanted the race to go a bit quick... just to use the early speed that I have, and Tommy likes to take it out hard... really just trying to make him do the work at the start and sit on him to make it as easy as possible.” North Coast teammate Jack Wilson secured bronze, finishing alongside Japan's Kazushi Imafuku.
As the day progressed, challenging conditions surfaced with the increasing wind. In the women’s 10km event, Rosie Wilson (North Coast, c: Ian Mills) claimed bronze with a strong finish, clocking in at 2:13:32.94.
Thursday’s events continued to feature strong performances, with Oliver Browne (North Coast) securing bronze in the boys 15-year-old category, clocking in at 1:03:02.05. The mixed 4x1.25km relay witnessed North Coast’s team of Rosie Wilson, Sarah Felton, Adam Sudlow, and Robert Bonsall earning silver. Westside Christchurch’s team of Kristian Seidl, Bianca Monaco, Joise Page, and Xavier Collins claimed third position.
The Championships, hosted in Busselton, is proving to be the perfect setting. Mayor Phill Cronin of the City of Busselton expressed gratitude, stating, “A huge thank you to Swimming Australia and Swimming WA for bringing this event to the City of Busselton… over 500 people, and it’s the second year here.. it’s amazing to see how that has grown.” The event not only displays the outstanding WA athletes but also highlights the growth and success of open water swimming in WA.
