The 2021 Swimming WA April Bonanza took place over the weekend at HBF Stadium, with incredible swimming and electric atmosphere on display.
The Meet came together after Western Australian swimmers were stopped from travelling to Queensland to attend the 2021 Australian Age Championships due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. In order to assure WA athletes did not miss the opportunity to compete for the second year in a row, Swimming WA created the April Bonanza ensuring the development of athletes was at the forefront.
One of the stars of the Meet, Iona Anderson (Breakers, c: Harry Clark), shot up the national ranks in the Backstroke events. Anderson started the Meet off with a bang in the Women’s 200m Backstroke, dropping a 2:16.98 in a convincing win. This effort saw her trump all competitors in the Girls 15 years age group at the 2021 Australian Age Championships, effectively claiming Gold and her maiden National title.
Anderson went on to win the 100m Backstroke, her preferred event, to storm home in a 1:02.35 and claim another National Title. In addition to this, Anderson broke the WA Residential record for the 15-year-olds, 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds and 18-year-olds – well and truly launching her name as one to watch on the National scene.
From one rising star to another, Sylvia Czajko (UWA-West Coast, c: Rob Palfery) delivered a huge PB in the Girls 13-year-olds 50m Freestyle. Czajko entered the Meet with a 27.15 but swam incredibly fast in the final to produce a 26.19. This time claimed National Gold for Czajko as well as placing her as the 6th fastest 13-year-old Australian of all time!
The only Western Australian to best Sylvia at 13, Kate Harrison (Westside Christchurch, c: Jon Harrison), was once again a prominent name throughout the Meet. Harrison was in fine form, swimming personal bests in every event.
Starting with the 50m Freestyle, Harrison battled Holly Barratt (Rockingham, c: Will Scott, WAIS) down the pool, with Harrison stopping the clock in 25.81. The time saw Harrison claim Bronze at Age Nationals as well as break the WA Residential Record, previously held by Brianna Throssell.
All eyes were on Harrison on Sunday evening as she approached her pet-event the 100m Butterfly. The Westside Christchurch prodigy was out fast in 27.67. Looking very strong and smooth through the back end of the race. Harrison went on to touch in 59.81, just missing Gold from Australian Age by 0.15 seconds. The monumental effort saw Harrison break 60 seconds for the second time as well as break her own WA residential record.
Western Australia’s Multi-Class Swimmers continued to etch their names into the record books. Tegan Reder (UWA-West Coast, c: Rob Palfery) led the way with an impressive haul of medals, claiming 2 silvers and 3 bronze medals. Reder also broke the Australian Record in the 50m Breaststroke and 100m Breaststroke, further strengthen her case for a Paralympic debut later this year.
Lucinda Foley (UWA-West Coast, c: Rob Palfery) powered through a substantial program to take home silverware also claiming 3 bronze medals in the 200m IM, 400m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke.
In addition to the action in WA, there were a few brave swimmers who travelled to Queensland to compete at the Australian Age Championships. Of those athletes, Inez Miller and Ruan Van der Riet were standouts both claiming silverware and representing their state strongly.
Medal Winners –
Gold - Sylvia Czajko – 50m Freestyle – 13 Years Girls
Gold - Iona Anderson – 100m Backstroke – 15 Years Girls
Gold - Iona Anderson – 200m Backstroke – 15 Years Girls
Silver – Ben Popham – 100m Freestyle - Open
Silver – Liam Smith – 50m Backstroke – Open
Silver – Syliva Czajko – 100m Freestyle – 13 Years Girls
Silver – Tegan Reder – 50m Breaststroke – 17/18 Years Girls
Silver – Tegan Reder – 100m Breaststroke – 17/18 Years Girls
Silver – Ruan Van der Riet – 200m Butterfly – 17 Years Boys
Silver – Kate Harrison – 100m Butterfly – 16 Years Girls
Silver – Alessio Macri – 1500m Freestyle – 15 Years Boys
Bronze – Alessio Macri – 800m Freestyle – 15 Years Boys
Bronze - Isabelle Sheldrick – 100m Backstroke – 13 Years Girls
Bronze – Lucinda Foley – 50m Backstroke – 16-18 Years Girls
Bronze – Lucinda Foley – 400m Freestyle – 16-18 Years Girls
Bronze – Lucinda Foley – 200m IM – 16-18 Years Girls
Bronze – Inez Miller – 50m Freestyle – 14 Years Girls
Bronze – Inez Miller – 200m Backstroke – 14 Years Girls
Bronze – Kate Harrison – 50m Freestyle – 16 Years Girls
Bronze – Kate Harrison – 100m Freestyle – 16 Years Girls
Bronze – Tegan Reder – 50m Freestyle – 17/18 Years Girls
Bronze – Tegan Reder – 100m Freestyle – 17/18 Years Girls
Bronze – Jordan Berryman – 100m Breaststroke – 13/14 Years Girls
Bronze – Ruan Van der Riet – 400m IM – 17 Years Boys
Bronze – Bianca Monaco – 1500m Freestyle – 13 Years Girls
Bronze – Westside Christchurch – Sahmara Kirby, Alyssa Monaco, Liberty Sheldrick, Isabelle Early – 4x50m Medley Relay – 13/14 Years Girls
Congratulations to all Athletes, Coaches and Clubs for their hard work and dedication throughout the season, and thank you to all those who have assisted throughout their journey. In addition, Swimming WA would like to thank the technical officials who assisted in the running of the Meet. Swimming WA looks forward to updating you of more successful results in due time.
