2023 LCLD Champs:- Read report HERE

Huon Valley Masters Scoop the Pool at LCLD Champs!

In a week when the Huon Valley was recognised as one of the best places to visit in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, it’s clear the valley also produces some of the best swimmers in the country.

Two of the Huon Valley Aquatics Masters cohort – James Belstead (25) and Victoria Wilson (22) produced excellent performances at Masters Swimming Tasmania’s Long Distance Long Course Championships, held at the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre on Saturday 18th November. The Championships consist of events over 400, 800 and 1500 metres, and the format allows swimmers to break multiple records in a single event – if their times are good enough.James Belstead was outstanding in the 1500m Breaststroke event, swimming a new National record time of 23.31.16.  Along the way to the 1500, James swam Tasmanian Branch record times for 400m and 800m Breaststroke. And as if that were not enough, James created another Tasmanian record in the gruelling 800m Individual Medley, in a time of 11.16.64.Not to be outdone, Victoria Wilson – one of MST’s most popular swimmers with her broad grin and sunny disposition – was impressive in the 1500 Breaststroke and 800m Backstroke. Both swims produced multiple Tasmanian record times – 1500, 800 and 400m Breaststroke, as well as 800 and 400m Backstroke.

Steve Richards from Hobart Dolphins also matched James in terms of a gruelling effort by swimming a 800 Butterfly followed by a 1500 Breaststroke.

Other Tasmanians to break state records were:

• Brent Walker (TAC): 1500m and 800m Freestyle
• Lou Hill (TTL) 800m IM
• Mendelt Tillema (TTL) 1500m, 800m and 400m Backstroke
• Ruth Timperon (TLC): 800m Backstroke
• Fiona Ziegeler (THD): 800m Backstroke
• Steve Richards (THD): 400m and 800m Butterfly; 800m and 1500m Breaststroke
• Megan Stronach (THD); 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m Backstroke.

Interstate visitors made their journeys worthwhile with Rosa Montagu (VPP) setting a National record for 1500m freestyle and Brad Johnson (VDC) setting a Victorian record for his 400m Backstroke.

Click on the following for results     20230 LCLD Results

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