Swimming champions

AT the recent Australian Age Championships at Homebush, the swimming prowess of northern Illawarra athletes was undeniable.

In the 14 years age division Matthew Crisafi (Balgownie) was outstanding winning gold in the 200m and silver in the 100m breaststroke. Josh Minogue (Thirroul) who just missed a spot for the recent Melbourne Commonwealth Games - demonstrated an excellence in endurance as he swam his way to two silver medals in the 17/18 years 200m freestyle and butterfly, in addition to a bronze in the 400m freestyle and a close 4th in the 100m butterfly.

Maintaining the hot pace, Robert Hurley (Mt Ousley) and David Mitchell (Woonona) failed to medal in their individual events after several close shaves. However, by the close of the championships, Robert placed 4th in the 17/18 years 100m backstroke and 5th in the 200m freestyle. David also narrowly missed out, coming 4th in both the 17/18 years 100m and 200m breaststroke events.

In another stellar performance, Josh, Robert and David teamed with Corrimal's Shane Barrie to storm home to win a silver medal in the 4x100m U18 medley relay.

Robert led the team off with the backstroke leg (58.22), David followed with breaststroke (1.07.33), Josh the butterfly(55.59), and Shane brought the team home in freestyle (55.32)

All five represented the Wests Illawarra Aquatic Swim Club.