South Esk sprint meet attracts swimmers from across Tasmania

The meet attracted more than 210 swimmers from around the state to the Launceston Aquatic Centre for some record-breaking racing, the chance to win cash prizes and a host of fun activities.

Three swimmers set new state records: Launceston Aquatic's Emily Mitchell (13 years girls' 50m backstroke in 30.79 seconds); HC's Daniel Shilcock (12 years boys' 50m backstroke, 31.05); and HC's Ethan Jones (12 years boys' 50m butterfly, 29.71; and a provisional new benchmark in 50m freestyle set in the first leg of the final relay for the day, 26.59).

The eight-swimmer mixed-ages relay race for the Curran Cup was an exciting finale, according to South Esk president Chris Reid.

"The Curran Cup was a highlight with the lead changing a number of times before being won in the last couple of laps by South Esk," he said.

The host club's team of Samuel Fischer, 9, Abbie King, 10, Caitlin Knowles, 12, Oliver Atkins, 12, Lilly Chapman, 14, Hugh Dolle, 14, Taylor Raine, 16, and Kit DeJonge, 20, finished less than a second ahead of a valiant HC with Launceston Aquatic third.

The dash for cash events offered prize money of $250 (first), $100 (second), $50 (third) and $10 (fourth-eighth) in the senior male and female 50m freestyle; and $125 (first), $75 (second), $50 (third) and $10 (fourth-eighth) for the junior dash finalists.

The top eight senior males were: Kit DeJonge, 20, South Esk; Jack Walton, 17, Ulverstone; Jack Sladden, 18, Riverside; Hugh Dolle, 14, South Esk; Reo Lazaro, 24, Hobart Aquatic; Jonte Adams, 16, South Esk; Jonty Pretorius, 17, South Esk; and Samuel Askey-Doran, 15, HC.

The senior female top eight were: Jardene Ralph, 20, Sandy Bay; Dawson Howell, 17, LAC; Brenna Lemon, 15, HAC; Matilda Smith, 14, Sandy Bay; Taylor Raine, 16, South Esk; Emily Mitchell, 13, LAC; Sienna Palser, 15, HC; and Rebecca Macdonald, 15, HC.

The junior boys' top eight were: Ethan Jones, 12, HC; Daniel Shilcock, 12, HC; Samuel Castle, 12, HC; Oliver Atkins, 12, South Esk; Atlan Devin, 11, South Esk; Jack Cramp, 12, LAC; Sam Mulford, 12, LAC; and Tyler Alexander, 11, South Esk.

The junior girls' finalists were: Ella Chan, 12, HAC; Bonnie Smith, 12, Sandy Bay; Natalie McCullagh, 12, LAC; Isabella Muldoon, 11, LAC; Caitlin Knowles, 12, South Esk; Phoebejean Thomson, 12, South Esk; Arabella Rigney, 12, South Esk; and Elyse Campbell, 12, LAC.

Swimmers from South Esk, Launceston Aquatic, Burnie, Riverside, Hobart Aquatic, HC, Ulverstone and Sandy Bay clubs competed.

"The sprint meet was a great success," Reid said. "The swimmers had a fantastic day in and out of the pool.

"The most impressive thing was the good sportsmanship shown and the teams really supporting their swimmers.

"In addition there was a great turnout from Hobart and North-West Coast clubs."