A place on the podium wasn’t the only incentive for competitors at the South Esk Sprint Meet on Saturday afternoon at Launceston Aquatic Centre.
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The medals awarded throughout the day acted as a precursor to the annual dash for cash, which involved to fastest eight swimmers from the junior and senior age groups competing for cash prizes.
More than 250 swimmers from seven clubs took to the water across the day, which featured age groups from under 9s to masters.
The event got off to an exciting start with South Esk’s Aran Miller setting a provisional Down Syndrome Swimming Organisation national record in the 50m freestyle.
In the senior male dash for cash, Kit DeJonge from South Esk touch the wall first to secure the $250 prize money.
A club captain, DeJonge is a regular feature at the sprint meets, which he said he enjoys because “they are about having fun.”
Fraser Sutton from South Esk finished second for $100, and Ethann Best from South Esk third for $50.
The McCarthy sisters from Hobart Aquatic cleaned up in the senior female dash for cash, with Stefanie finishing first and Amelie a close second.
Dawson Howell from Launceston Aquatic rounded out the major placings in third.
The junior female dash for cash saw Aurora Giuliani from Hobart Aquatic take home the prize money of $135, with Esk Olivia Nichols from Hobart Aquatic in second for $75 and Charlotte Pilsbury-Milne from South in third for $50.
Hugh Dolle from South Esk touched out a fast-finishing Harry Reid from South Esk to win the junior male dash for cash, with Noah Kampred from Hobart Aquatic in third.
Two back markers, Henry Shepherd from South Esk and Adelaide Skipper from Launceston Aquatic, touched the wall in blanket finishes win $50 each in the male and female handicap event.
The Curran Cup was another highlight of the program.
After three years in the host club’s trophy cabinet, this year the cup heads south, with the Hobart Aquatic Club taking the honors.
South Esk Swimming Club president Jayne Shepherd said the day was about more than swimming.
“The day was full of fun and activity both in and out of the pool,” she said.
“In addition to the unique South Esk Sprint Meet medals, event winners each took away the infamous Cripps pikelets.
“DJ Toby pumped out music throughout the event, and the popular ‘dance cam’ made a return with great prizes including Evo bags and vouchers for The Aqua Shop.”
Sean Slatter
Journalist at Fairfax Media based at Launceston.
Journalist at Fairfax Media based at Launceston.
