It’s my pleasure to share some exciting highlights from our recent participation in the DVE competition. This event brought together some of the region’s most promising young swimmers for an early season tune-up, and I’m proud to say our athletes rose to the occasion, delivering impressive performances across the board.

A Great Showing of Team Spirit
The DVE competition was a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and camaraderie that define our club. Our swimmers didn’t just compete; they cheered for one another, offered encouragement, and celebrated each other’s successes with genuine enthusiasm. It was particularly heartening to see our older swimmers mentoring and guiding our younger members. Special thanks go to Hayley, Analena, and Samuel, who took the time to support and encourage their younger teammates, embodying the inclusive and supportive spirit of Northcote Swim Club.

Standout Performances
We had some standout performances that deserve special recognition. Our young swimmers demonstrated their prowess in the pool, setting personal bests, medalling in several events, and qualifying for higher-level competitions. In particular:

Lenny Allan continues to show why he’s one to watch, setting five personal bests and earning a cabinet of gold and silver medals with his powerful and consistent swims. His qualification for state Age and Sprint events is a huge milestone.
Asha King put on a fantastic display, showing grit and determination, and proving her abilities as she medalled and secured her spot in January’s State Sprints.
Josh Martin delivered some stellar performances, breaking his personal bests, earning medals, and clinching a State Age qualification.
Xavier Moate‘s dedication paid off with multiple achievements, from personal bests to medalling and State Sprint qualification.
Miles Parfitt capped off a good competition with a strong showing, solidifying his place as a top contender with medals and a State Sprint qualifier.

These swimmers have not only represented themselves with excellence but have also been fantastic ambassadors for Northcote Swim Club, showcasing the strength of our training and the depth of our talent.

A Diverse Range of Competitors
We were thrilled to have 26 competitors in the water, with participants spanning a wide age and sex range from across the club. From our youngest swimmers taking their first competitive strokes to our more experienced athletes leading the way, it was wonderful to see everyone come together and give their best. 25 of 26 swimmers either set personal bests or were swimming in their first competition for the club!

A Bright Future for Our Young Talent
In addition to our seasoned competitors, several swimmers experienced their first major competitive events. It was wonderful to see Maggie Bolton, Annie Daly, Fitzy Gurtler, Esther Millard, and Antonio Polito embrace the challenge of their first DVE competition. Each of you brought great energy and determination, gaining valuable experience that will surely fuel their future success.

Building on Our Success
While the medals and personal bests are important milestones, what matters most is the effort and attitude displayed by our swimmers. The dedication they have shown in training, the courage to compete at higher levels, and the sportsmanship they displayed during the DVE competition make me incredibly proud to be part of this club.

Our coaching team, led by Ian, Hayley, and Nicholas, deserves a special mention for their guidance and commitment. They continue to inspire our swimmers, helping them break through barriers and reach new heights.

Thank You to Our Supporters
Finally, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our swimmers’ families and all our supporters. Your enthusiasm, encouragement, and presence at the competition helped create a positive atmosphere that undoubtedly contributed to our team’s success. Believe, I know how difficult it is to sit on those concrete benches for 6 hours!

Looking Ahead
The DVE competition was a great start to what promises to be an exciting season ahead. We have many more meets on the calendar, and I’m confident our swimmers will continue to improve, have fun, and make the Northcote Swim Club proud. Let’s keep building on this momentum and striving for our personal bests!

Go Northcote!