Bulahdelah School Swimming where young stars emerged

Over 200 students turned out for Bulahdelah Central School’s Secondary Swimming Carnival last Wednesday.

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Held in perfect conditions at Bulahdelah Pool, competition was fierce between students.

Billy Watt, Khloe Middleton, Katerina Poniris and Nicholas Beitzel dominated the pool in the junior events with Dakota Edgerton, Jordyn Watt, Paris Battle and Liam Garemyn also proving hard to beat.

Hawks Nest local Luke Rochester, took out the Boy’s 16 Years’ Age Championship.

A talented all-round sportsperson, Luke was very happy with his performances.

“I was pleased with my results, I have definitely improved a lot over the last few years,” he said.

Senior students Sonny Marks, Bailey Shultz and Bonnie Webb-Hay also gave impressive performances during the day.

Carnival organiser Ms Brooke Mackenzie, said along with the serious races, a number of novelty events were included in the program to encourage swimmers of all abilities to participate.

“The day is not just all about winning, it’s also about having a go and having fun,” she said.

The much anticipated belly flop competition did not disappoint with points awarded by the judges for style and splash.

Year 8 students Joel King-Stow and Tahlia Read took out the junior event with Kyan Briffa winning the senior division. The carnival concluded with the mixed relay with Wentworth House cruising comfortably to a win with the staff team finishing a commendable third.

Ms Mackenzie said she was pleased with the performances in the pool and also with the level of participation during the day.

“We’ve had more participation at this carnival than any other within the last six years,” she said.

Melba House finished the day on top, followed closely by Wentworth, Bradman and Kenny.

Selected students will now compete at the Manning Zone Carnival to be held in Taree on 16 February.

By Daniel SAHYOUN