Multiple world champion Aran Miller followed up on his success at the Down syndrome swimming international titles with a host of extra awards for his trophy cabinet.
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He was honoured at the South Esk Swimming Club annual awards night with the prestigious overall club champion award.
He was also the club’s multiclass swimmer of the year and the 17 and over age champion.
It followed Miller’s success at the Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships in Nova Scotia, Canada, in July where he claimed 13 gold medals, two silver, seven world records and was named T21 swimmer of the meet.
It was the fourth time that Miller, 24, of Exeter, had competed at world titles, and represented his most successful international meet to date.
Retiring club president Jayne Shepherd reflected on a year of achievements in a stirring speech at the awards dinner at the Tailrace Centre, Riverside.
We’ve developed a balanced and holistic approach to the sport of swimming and are very proud of the way we nurture and develop our swimmers both in and out of the pool. I’m so proud of all we have achieved together
- Retiring South Esk president Jayne Shepherd
“We’ve had another incredible year and it’s wonderful to celebrate achievements from participation, personal best times and contribution to the club, right through to national qualifying times and setting world records,” Shepherd said.
“Returning multiple world champion and world record holder Aran Miller is a wonderful role model and was certainly a well-deserved recipient of the prestigious W. B. Bridley trophy for overall club champion.
“We have an amazing culture at South Esk.
“We’ve developed a balanced and holistic approach to the sport of swimming and are very proud of the way we nurture and develop our swimmers both in and out of the pool.
“I’m so proud of all we have achieved together.”
Narelle Howell was recognised for her contribution to the club and Billy King, 12, received the club spirit award.
Winners’ circle
- Other awards went to - Taylor Raine and Jonte Adams (fastest short course 50m free, 16 and under); Taylor Raine and Samuel Cullen (long course 50m free, 16+U); Morgen Hawkins (fastest female LC 50m free 17+, female swimmer with highest placing in national championships, club breaststroke champion); Kit DeJonge (fastest male LC 50m free 17+, male swimmer with highest placing in national championships, 400IM award); Kane Johnson (distance); Harry Reid (back); Samuel Cullen (free), Hugh Dolle (fly).
- Head coach awards – state short course champs: Kit DeJonge, Aran Miller, Fraser Sutton, Jonty Pretorius, Jonathan Clarke, Morgen Hawkins, Xavier Nesbit, Billy King, Noah Wallis, Zane Zehntner, Harry Reid, Jonte Adams, William Hinds, Ethann Best, Henry Shepherd; state long course champs: Kit DeJonge, Aran Miller, Fraser Sutton, Jonty Pretorius, Jonathan Clarke, Roisin Goodsall, Mia Howell, Rebecca Clarke, Sophie Hinds, Samuel Cullen, Mitchell Edmunds, Charlotte Pilsbury-Milne, Mia Baldock, Hugh Dolle; coach awards: George Cook, Chloe Robbins, Kayla Hendricksen, Tom Heazlewood.
- Age champions - 8&U: Abbie King, George Cook; 9: Morgan Dolle, Tyler Alexander; 10: Roisin Goodsall, Andrew Broadhurst; 11: Charlotte Pilsbury-Milne, Xavier Nesbit; 12: Georgia Curran, Hugh Dolle; 13: Erin Giles, William Hinds; 14: Taylor Raine, Jonte Adams; 15: Lillian Giles, Jonty Pretorius; 16: Fraser Sutton; 17+: Morgen Hawkins, Aran Miller.
On board
South Esk’s new club president is Chris Reid, who replaces Jayne Shepherd.
Other office bearers are: treasurer: Kris Dolle; secretary: Clare Broadhurst; directors: Brenda Hawkins, Lee-Anne Edmunds, Sarah Fischer, Simon Nesbit and Sonja Wilson.
Top trio
Masters Swimming Tasmania has honoured three members who achieved world top ten rankings in the past year. They are: Amanda Duggan (Tomatoes Swim), Ketrina Clarke (Launceston Lemmings) and Maciej Slugocki (Hobart Aquatic Centre Masters).
Go the distance
Noah Kamprad has set new boys’ 13 years state and all-comer records.
Competing at the southern regional championships in the 400m freestyle (4:11.42) and 200m freestyle (1:59.18), Kamprad broke records previously set by Jacob Vincent.
Diary dates
- Sept 30: Long course time trial, Hobart.
- Oct 20: Time trial, Launceston.
- Oct 27: Time trial, Hobart.
- Nov 10: Time trial, Launceston.
- Nov 17: Time trial, Hobart.
- Nov 24: Burnie 100 meet, Burnie Aquatic Centre.
- Nov 24: Ocean swim series starts, Carlton Park.
- Nov 24: Masters long course long distance titles, Clarence.
