The UniSA Swimming Club recently made a splash at the World Masters Aquatic Championships held in Kysuhu, Japan from 2 to 11 August. This prestigious event, formerly known as FINA, featured five aquatic disciplines across different cities. Fukuoka City hosted swimming, open water swimming and diving, Kumamoto City hosted the water polo matches, and Kagoshima City showcased the artistic swimming competitions. With approximately 10,000 participants from 100 countries, the championships brought together an international gathering of aquatic athletes.
Representing Team UniSA were seven members from the swimming club. Their outstanding performances resulted in the following achievements:
Sharon Beaver, a valued community member showcased her skills in the Female 55-59 age group. She achieved remarkable results in various events, including a commendable 3rd place finish in the 3km Open Water Swim. Additionally, Sharon secured 8th place in 200m Backstroke, 6th place in 800m Freestyle, 8th place in 400m Freestyle, 11th place in 200m Medley and 5th place in 400m Medley. Notably, Sharon also contributed to the Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle relay and Mixed 4 x 50m Medley (Backstroke leg) relay.
Liam McHugh, another community member displayed his skills in the Male 25-59 age group. Liam’s efforts earned him a remarkable 2nd place finish in the highly competitive 800m Freestyle event. Furthermore, he secured 6th place in the Men’s 4 x 50m Freestyle relay, followed by obtaining 8th place in the Men’s 4 x 50m Medley (backstroke leg relay) – both in the Men’s 100-119 combined age group . In addition, Liam participated in the 50m, 100m, 200m 800m Freestyle relays, making a significant contribution to the team’s overall performance.
Team UniSA was also represented by other dedicated members:
- Andrew Truong (UniSA Alumni and staff), UniSA Swimming Club team manager, coach and swimmer - 50m Freestyle and Butterfly, 100m Freestyle and Butterfly, Men's 4 x 50m Freestyle and Medley (Butterfly leg) relay and Mixed 4 x 50m Medley (Butterfly leg) relay
- Albert Stolcz (community member) - 50m, 100m, and 200m Breaststroke, Men's 4 x 50m Medley (Breaststroke leg) relay and Mixed 4x50m Medley (Breaststroke) relay
- Guan Lin Ong (UniSA Student) - 50m Freestyle and Butterfly, 100m Freestyle, Men's 4 x 50m Freestyle and Medley (Freestyle leg) relay and Mixed 4x50m Freestyle relay
- Yuta Kasuga (UniSA Student) - 50m, 100m, 200m, 800m Freestyle, and 200m Medley, Men's 4 x 50m Freestyle and Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle relay
- Kimberley Vidura (community member) - 50m Freestyle and Butterfly, 100m Freestyle and Butterfly, 200m Backstroke, Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle relay, Mixed 4 x 50m Medley (Freestyle leg) relay
Apart from their impressive performances in the swimming pool, the UniSA Swimmers also had the opportunity to enjoy some thrilling activities outside the competition. They visited Universal Studios, Disneyland, and DisneySea, creating unforgettable memories. The team also took part in Team Street Kart, weaving their way past Tokyo Tower and immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of the city.
Reflecting on the experience, Andrew Truong shared, “We made a lot of international swimming friends, even swapping caps with countries across the world.” The event not only provided a platform for competitive swimming but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among athletes from different nations.
To support the athlete’s well-being, free massages, dry needling, and acupuncture services were offered to all competitors.
Congratulations to the UniSA Swimming Club for their outstanding performances at the World Masters Aquatic Championships. The dedication and skill showcased their commitment to the sport and brought pride to UniSA.