2024 Cats Eye Ocean Swim North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club

The annual Hamilton Island Triathlon and Ocean Swim was a great success last month, attracting a diverse field of competitors. Despite early morning wet weather impacting the triathlon on Saturday, the Ocean Swim on Sunday enjoyed more settled conditions for the 750m and 2km swims. Fourteen Sinkers made their way to Hamilton Island to participate in one of the swim distances, enjoying the moderate conditions off Catseye Beach. Several members, who also belong to other clubs, had already competed in the triathlon on Saturday and embraced the post-race festivities. Despite this, enthusiasm remained high, and all members took to the water on Sunday. The Ocean Swim saw 138 competitors registered for the 2km distance and 91 for the 750m swim, with a total of 229 swimmers enjoying the stunning location alongside like-minded participants. Sinkers members performed exceptionally well, with several securing podium finishes. In the 2km swim, Pierre Craven claimed 2nd place, Fiona Cheesman finished 3rd, Rachel Bidgood secured 2nd, and Jeanette Stewart achieved 3rd place in their respective categories. In the 750m event, Geoffrey Robinson and Christine Webb both took 1st place, while Sue Willett earned a strong 2nd place. Cross-training across various clubs and disciplines proved beneficial for the team, showcasing their strength and versatility. Mackay was also well represented throughout the weekend, with members of the Mackay Triathlon Club, Triactiv8, other local groups, and individuals delivering impressive performances across both days of events. The Sinkers look forward to returning for the 2025 Ocean Swim and another fantastic weekend of competition and camaraderie. Contributed by Dan Stampa 2km Ocean Swim – Sinkers results Age group Gender Name Place Time Age place 50-59 Male Pierre Craven 2nd 30:39 2/12 60-69 Brian Keogh 6th 42:37 6/9 30-39 Female Pepper Carroll 12th 42:16 12/15 40-49 Natasha Mallise 8th 36:59 8/17 50-59 Fiona Cheesman 3rd 37:06 3/17 Alison Friswell 8th 39:06 8/17 Jenny Smith 9th 39:07 9/17 60-69 Female Rachel Bidgood 2nd 43:19 2/4 Jeanette Stewart 3rd 50:02 3/4 750m Ocean Swim – Sinkers Results Age group Gender Name Place Time Age place 80 + Male Geoffrey Robinson 1st 22:28 1/1 50-59 Female Christine Webb 1st 14:21 1/15 Clare Heal 4th 16:19 4/15 60-69 Sue Willett 2nd 18:27 2/6 Wendy Keogh 4th 20:13 4/6 Swimmers prepare for the start of the main 2km race Some competitive spirit between two Sinkers as Jenny Smith and Alison Friswell complete a final duel to cross the line Brian Keogh completing his 2km ocean swim. Swimmers are never happy with any amount of running during an event!