SWIMMING
SIXTEEN Gippsland swimmers, including seven from the Traralgon Swimming Club, will line up against Australia’s best over three days when they compete at the 2025 Australian Open Short Course Championships at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), beginning today (October 1).
The team includes five multi-class swimmers and eleven able-bodied swimmers, each having posted qualifying times to reach the event.
For many, it’s the chance to dive in against their idols is a thrill in itself, while others have their eyes firmly set on making finals.
Several of Gippsland’s multi-class swimmers have already broken Victorian records this year, and with personal bests likely to fall, more records could be rewritten next weekend.
For 13-year-old Emily Croatto of South Gippsland Bass, it marks a huge step up. At the start of the year, she wasn’t old enough to compete at the National Age Championships. Now she will line up in the 200-metre breaststroke alongside her sister Claudia.
“I’m so excited to race against Australian Dolphins and it’s going to be so much fun,” Emily said.
The big sister added how excited she is to be on such a stage.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to race at such a high level, and a big thanks to my coaches who have helped me get there.”
For some of the more senior competitors, years of hard work is paying off, with swimmers like Ashley Nicholes from Traralgon ranked in the top 10 and hoping to make finals.
Gippsland swimmers will be up against some of the nation’s best, including Felix Dressel-De Bruyn, Tara Kinder and Paralympian Ahmed Kelly.
Many teammates and supporters are expected to make the trip to Melbourne, while others can tune in to the live broadcast on 9Now.
Traralgon representatives
Olivia Ballie, Zayden Burton, Jessica Whiting, Ashley Nicholes, Darcy Connell, Brody Cargill, and Lockie Bellion
South Gippsland Bass
Miah Roberts, Claudia Croatto, Emily Croatto, Sophie McKenzie, Levi Jarrett, and Gemma Cook
Warragul
Isabelle Nash, Ayvah Dennis, and Tyra Jensen
