GEORGE NEWS - Seven Fish Eagle Master swimmers participated in the 34th South African Masters National Swimming Championship at Hillcrest Pool in Pretoria last week.
This year, 474 swimmers from 27 clubs took part. There were also international swimmers from Poland and the United Kingdom. The Fish Eagle Masters did exceptionally well for such a small club, scooping up 18 medals.
The medal winners were: Pippy Bishop (36, 1 silver and 2 bronze); Lanie Farrelly (56, 1 silver and 3 bronze); Mike McDonald (73, 1 bronze); Tanya Osborne (45, 1 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze) and Monique Roos (35, 1 bronze).
New Fish Eagle member and first-time National Championship swimmer André Weideman (47) came out pumping in his free style events but sadly missed a medal by milliseconds. Veteran swimmer Judy Dixon (77) was, once again, a big inspiration to the team with her positive and determined attitude.
The open water swim was held at the Ebotse dam in Benoni in miserable and windy conditions on Sunday.
After a long and tiring four days of swimming, the swimmers braved the cold and choppy water. Pippy Bishop (gold), Judy Dixon (silver), Lanie Farrelly and André Weideman swam the 1km race. Tanya Osborne (silver) swam the 3km race and was also the second overall lady to finish the race.
This year Tanya was awarded South African Master colours for open water swimming.
Not only did the team make an impression in the water but the sponsored gear had other teams looking on with envy.
The colourful outfits especially drew a great deal of complimentary comments.
Next year the nationals will be held in Port Elizabeth from 20 to 24 March. Swimmers interested in joining this event, which is not just about winning but about fitness, friendship, sportsmanship, team spirit and most of all, fun, can contact Judy Dixon on 072 390 6667.
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