By Casey OÇonnor
Stanthorpe swimmers are on track for strong performances at the State Sprint Carnival at Brisbane’s Chandler Pool this weekend following good performances at their home carnival at the weekend.
The Stanthorpe Swimming Club it’s first Swimming Carnival of the new year on Saturday with competitors from Goondiwindi, Glen Innes, Warwick, Tenterfield, Allora, Concordia Turbo jets (Twmba), Fairholme, Ipswich, Killarney, Team academy, Toowoomba and Toowoomba Grammar joining the local swimmers.
Stanthorpe Swim coach Gail Smail said officials were kept busy on pool deck and the standard of swimming was excellent.
“Across the board there were some very impressive performances with a lot of PB’s and also many State Sprint Qualifying times.”
Stanthorpe’s Pradell dominated the pool with three age champions Jordan in the nine years boys, Emma Pradella nine years girls and Jessica Pradella who was champion in the 13-years girls.
Smail said the Skins event proved exciting on the day.
This 50m Freestyle sprint starts with the best freestylers of the day, dropping off the last two swimmers with the slowest times in each race until only four remain who swim off for a cash prize pool, sponsored by Net Pro Stanthorpe.
The Men’s winner was Bailey Harm (Allora) who had a great meet while Jessica Pradella continue her families impressive performance to take at the womens title.
While all the action was in the pool there was someone else who was kept busy, Life Member of the Stanthorpe Swimming Club, Jenny Kaye who handed out medals to placegetters and offering words of encouragement to everyone.
Jenny Kaye was Treasurer of the club from 1980-1985 and was a club volunteer for many years.
In 1995 she was made a Life member of the club.
She said she is now happy to be the person handing out the medals at carnivals and watching the smiles of the kids and on Saturday.
