By LIAM DURKIN
COMPETITION swimming has returned to Gippsland.
The first meeting of the Gippsland Swimming season was held in Traralgon two weekends ago, before the second week of competition made its way to Sale at the weekend.
The Traralgon meeting was originally scheduled to be held outdoors in Warragul, but was moved indoors to the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in the wake of severe weather conditions.
Traralgon, Morwell, Moe, Warragul, South Gippsland Bass, East Gippsland Water Dragons and Sale swimming clubs make up the Gippsland Swimming Incorporation, which sees more than 250 swimmers competing weekly.
Times from the Gippsland Swimming meetings allow swimmers to qualify for higher level events and provide a qualifying meet for the Gippsland Championships set to be held in February.
Traralgon Swimming Club president Jane Mitchell said it was fantastic to get back in the water.
“It is great, the kids are excited about being back, as a district we certainly are to, we hope that we can keep our season going,” she told The Express.
While in-pool action might have been limited in recent months, Traralgon swimmers have still had plenty to cheer about, seeing local swimming stars Emily Beecroft and Ruby Storm win medals at the recent Paralympics.
With the only indoor Olympic size swimming pool in Gippsland, the next budding Olympian or Paralympian could be among the current Traralgon cohort.
“It’s very exciting to think we can put someone on an international team,” Mitchell said.
