Led by Captains Callum Lowe-Griffiths (12/PR) and Benjamin Tran (12/KL), the 2016 Newington Swim Team finished off the season in style last week at the AAGPS Swimming Carnival at SOPAC.

Ultimately winning three out of the four premierships on offer (Juniors, GPS Relays and Seniors) the New boys, encouraged by a strong and loyal crowd, smashed records and demonstrated the depth of talent in our aquatics program. 

The real strength of our swimmers this year lay within their ability to focus and be formidable team players. Thomas Oates (7/JN), who competed in six races on the day said that, “the most challenging thing for me on race day was to not let the pressure get to me and to not waste my energy at lunch and recess. In addition to that, on the night you had to really concentrate to hear the starter as the cheering was so loud.” 

“The thing I learnt from this season is that obviously hard work pays off and no matter what, even if you’re not coming first, you should never give up because every position counts for points for the team.”

Fellow swim team member Edward Wydell (8/ME) couldn’t have agreed more, saying that the best part for him was being part of something bigger. “A real highlight was eating with the team and catching the bus to SOPAC together, it made us feel like a real team not just a bunch of swimmers.”

Special mentions for the following performances:

• 13 years 4 x 50m Medley Relay (2min10.59sec) – AAGPS Record
• 13 years 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay (1min54.94sec) – AAGPS Record
• Jack Xu (8/ME) 13 years 50m Breaststroke (34.67sec) – AAGPS Record
• Callum Lowe-Griffiths (12/PR) 17 years 50m Backstroke (28.08sec) – AAGPS Record
• All Age 6 x 50m Freestyle Relay (2min44.06sec) – AAGPS Record

After the adrenalin and success of race day, there are also lessons to be learnt from the experience. Jack Xu (9/ME), who broke the 13 years 50m Breaststroke record, said that the race has made him want to be a better sportsman and to learn to be gracious in victory. “I will be humble in our victories against other teams,” Jack said, “especially if we beat them by a very slim margin.”

A big congratulations again to all our swimmers and to the greater Newington Community for your support over the past season!

Mr Ryan Moar
Director of Aquatics