The Corowa Pennant, held on December 8, 2024, at the Corowa Aquatic Centre, was a resounding success, drawing nearly 200 swimmers and recording an impressive total of almost 800 individual entries.
The event celebrated the region's vibrant swimming community and offered a day filled with excitement and camaraderie.
Seven swimming clubs from the district competed for valuable points, fostering a competitive yet friendly atmosphere.
Corowa’s coaches and parents were especially proud of the swimmers, many of whom tackled new races for the first time.
All our Corowa Sharks delivered stellar performances, earning admiration from spectators who came to cheer them on.
Junior swimmers delivered remarkable performances.
Thea Hicks earned 3rd place in the Girls 8 & Under 50m Backstroke.
Imogen Hicks achieved incredible improvements, cutting 11 seconds off her 50m Backstroke and 22 seconds off her 50m Freestyle in the 9-year-old girls' events.
Bailey Hicks returned triumphantly to the pool, slashing nearly 6 seconds off his 50m Freestyle.
Evoliet Velyka cut 13 seconds off her 100m Freestyle PB to place 5th in her age group.
Clementine Colwell improved her 100m Freestyle PB by 7 seconds, finishing 5th, closely followed by Sophie Jones in 6th.
Imogen Pilcher excelled, smashing her 50m Freestyle PB by 13 seconds, while Sophie Jones shaved 14 seconds off hers.
In his age events, Rusull Lin impressed in the 50m Backstroke and Freestyle, cutting 21 and 8 seconds, respectively.
Senior swimmers also shone
Marshall Lees secured several personal bests, placing 2nd in the 100m Breaststroke for his age group.
Lily Kiely and Rosie Hicks achieved fabulous PBs in the 200m Freestyle, with Lily finishing 4th and Rosie 3rd. Lily also earned 2nd in the 11-year Girls 100m Backstroke and 3rd in the 50m Freestyle.
Mona Liu placed 3rd in both the 50m Backstroke and Breaststroke and 4th in the 50m Butterfly.
Bridie Ray placed 4th in the 100m Freestyle, followed closely by Matilda Hicks in 5th. Bridie also earned 3rd in the 50m Freestyle, while Matilda placed 2nd in the 13-year Girls 100m Backstroke.
Ethan Marks cut 3.58 seconds off his 50m Breaststroke PB and placed 3rd in the 50m Butterfly.
Lucas Bellette claimed 1st in the 200m Breaststroke and 2nd in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke for his age group.
Samuel Bellette dominated the 50m and 200m Breaststroke events, finishing 1st, and earned 2nd in the 11-year Boys 100m Breaststroke, followed by Austin Lees in 3rd. Austin also placed 4th in the 50m Breaststroke.
Matilda Dolan secured 3rd in the 100m Breaststroke and shaved 4 seconds off her 50m Breaststroke PB. Coach Imogen demonstrated her prowess, finishing 2nd in the 100m Breaststroke, inspiring her swimmers as a role model.
Relay events added excitement to the day
The 10 & Under Girls teams, featuring Enya Liu, Thea Hicks, Imogen Pilcher, Olivia Clifton (Team 1), and Evoliet Velyka, Belle Hicks, Joanie McCall, and Imogen Hicks (Team 2), excelled.
The 10 & Under Boys team of Wyatt Jones, Judd Talbot, Rusull Lin, and Anbiya Lin delivered a stellar performance.
The 14 & Under Girls team of Mona Liu, Lily Kiely, Bridie Ray, and Matilda Hicks, along with the 14 & Under Boys team of Austin Lees, Samuel Bellette, Bailey Hicks, and Nicholas Murphy, combined beautifully.
The 16 & Under Boys team of Marshall Lees, Ethan Marks, Samuel Bellette, and Lucas Bellette secured 2nd place.
Event success a tribute to all
The event’s success was made possible by the Corowa Aquatic Centre, which provided an excellent venue.
Senior swimmers assisted with setting up and packing away equipment, offering support to younger swimmers.
The day ran smoothly thanks to the tireless efforts of Ovens & Murray officials, dedicated parents, and friends. Contributions included setting up the venue, managing fundraising, marshalling swimmers, timekeeping, and manning the barbecues.
Special thanks to the Corowa Bakery for donating bread for the sausage sizzle and to parents who prepared treats for officials and timekeepers. The dynamic MCs, Andi Crowe and Todd Letchford, kept the program running seamlessly.
The Corowa Sharks delivered an outstanding performance, adding to the event’s excitement. Former squad members, committee members, and coaches who have since moved on were warmly welcomed, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. It was a day of unforgettable competition and celebration, with participants and spectators alike enjoying the perfect weather.
Congratulations to all swimmers, volunteers, and organisers for making the 2024 Corowa Pennant a memorable success. Here’s to more achievements for the Sharks in the future!