Karla’s young guns make a splash

Six Karla’s Swim Team members tested themselves among some of the best country swimmers in the state last weekend across two venues.

Will Smith, Jemima Leslie, Sarah Smith and Jack and Campbell Leslie all raced at the NSW Country Regional Meet at Narromine, while Harry Bennett competed at the NSW Country Regional Meet at Woy Woy.

Harry had another successful weekend, continuing his 2019 form into 2020.

The 13-year-old entered 11 events and medalled in them all, as well as setting nine personal best times.

He won gold medals in the 100m butterfly (with a 2.44-second PB), 50m freestyle (with a time of 27:34 which was his first time breaking 28 seconds in that event), 200m freestyle (with a 9.49-second PB) and 50m butterfly (with a time of 29:47 which was his first time breaking 30 seconds in that event).

Harry claimed silver medals in the 50m breaststroke (with a 1.76-second PB), 200m individual medley (with a 2.99-second PB) and 100m freestyle (with a 1.67-second PB), and bronze medals in 100m breaststroke (with a 0.51-second PB), 100m backstroke (with a 1.08-second PB), 50m backstroke and 200m backstroke.

At Narromine all five of Karla’s Swim Team swimmers either medalled or set new personal best times.

Will Smith was victorious in his 100m frestyle event setting a new PB of 1.22.01.

He also placed second in 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke, and third in 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke.

Jemima Leslie was back in action after 12 months off sick.

She placed third in the 50m freestyle, finished fourth in the 50m backstroke (with a 2.94-second PB) and the 100m freestyle which she swam for the first time, setting a great time of 1.29.37.

She also finished fifth in 50m breaststroke (with a 6.54-second PB).

Sarah Smith placed third in her 50m freestyle event and swam some outstanding new personal best times in the 100m breaststroke (taking off 9.3 seconds), 100m backstroke (taking off 11.48 seconds), 100m freestyle (taking off 4.19 seconds, 50m butterfly (taking off 1.17 seonds) and 50m backstroke (taking off 1.18 seconds.

Jack Leslie placed third in his 50 backstroke event (with a 1.90-second PB) and the 50m freestyle.

He also finished fourth in 50m breaststroke (with a 3.77-second PB)and the 100 freestyle.

Campbell Leslie swam personal best times in his 50m freestyle (taking off 0.63 seconds) 50m butterfly (taking off 0.35 seconds) and 100m freestyle (taking off 2.33 seconds)

He also swam his first 100m butterfly race at the carnival.

Karla’s Swim Team head coach Karla Carruthers travelled to Woy Woy with Harry and was impressed with his performances, and commended the swimmers who went to Narromine as well.

“I travelled to Woy Woy with Harrison on the long weekend mainly to chase stronger competition,” Carruthers said.

“I believe you swim better when you’re up against tough competition that pushes you.

“I was very impressed with the way Harry raced. He loves the thrill of competition and always performs well under pressure.

“His times on the weekend were very fast and I’m overwhelmed at some of his times.

“We are both happy with the results as it sets him up for NSW Country Champs in Feb.

“We have about three weeks of work left until then. I’m hoping he can go even faster.

“Harry has been working really hard and we both together have some exciting long term goals.

“Sarah, William, Jack, Mim and Cam all travelled to Narromine where they had a great few days and were among the medals.

“I’m happy with their races as it’s great to have a bit out before school carnival season which starts next week.”