Sharks compete with state’s best

As boots are pulled on and laces done up for the final games of the football and soccer seasons, a handful of elite Wimmera junior swimmers took to the pool at Wangaratta at the weekend for the Victorian Country Short Course Swimming Championships.

Three Horsham Sharks competed in the championships after qualifying at meets throughout the state.

Jorja Clode, 10, qualified for five events, Claudia Lanyon, 14, for three events and Jack Lanyon, 11, two events. Deacon Briggs, 14, also qualified for five events but was a lastminute withdrawal for health reasons.

Horsham Sharks Swimming Club coach Des Bolton said the Horsham swimmers recorded five personal-best times, with Jorja collecting the best individual result, 10th in her 50-metre freestyle final.

“They were strong results at one of the toughest swim meets in the state,” he said.

“It’s the best of the best from Country Victoria all competing to achieve the best times.

“It’s about seconds. You win or you lose by a matter of seconds.”

Fellow coach Megan Peterson said the ‘country champs’ provided a platform to highlight the talent, hard work and dedication of junior swimmers.

She added the looming summer swimming season looked good for the Sharks.

“Not only did swimmers perform well at the country champs, but several talented younger swimmers have joined the club over the winter months,” she said. “I’m confident Sharks swimmers are on track for an exciting season of competition.”