Hansen star of show

Nathan Brooks | 17th November 2009

THERE were records broken and age championships secured by swimmers from three local clubs at the 24th Biloela Open Swim Meet on the weekend.

Strong performances were seen by swimmers from all clubs but most notable of those was Gladstone Gladiators’ member Chris Hansen who broke two records, qualified for three national swims and claimed the 14-year-old age champion title.

Hansen broke both the 14-year-old’s 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle records.

The youngster qualified for nationals in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly.

Fifteen Boyne Tannum swimmers as well as 19 members from Gladiators and the Western Suburbs club attended the event.

Gladiators brought home two age champions in Sidony Miller-Waugh (13-year girls) and Chris Hansen (14-year boys) while Western Suburbs’ Joeseph McAlister, Bryn Rohdmann and Luke Frewen-Lord returned as winners in their respective age groups also.

Four pool records were broken by Gladstone Gladiators members on the day.

Sidony Miller-Waugh set a 13-year-old girls 50m breaststroke record and Andrew McClean broke the 50m backstroke record for nine-year-olds, one that had been in place for nine years.

Gladstone Gladiators Publicity Officer Carol McLean said all her club members performed above expectations.

“They all excelled on the day,” she said. “A few kids also qualified for state titles.”

She said it was great to see the local club members swim at such a high standard.

“You do expect them to do well but when they get PBs (personal best times) it’s a nice bonus.”

Runners-up: Western Suburbs – Ally Ware and Luke Ibell. Gladiators – Lachlan Pacheco (8 years boys), Campbell Miller-Waugh (11 year boys), Matilda Lodder (12 year girls), Andrew McClean (13 year boys), Bianca Turner (Open girls).