2012 NSW State Age and Open Open Water Swimming Championships

Courtney Bicknell reports on her competition in the 12 – 15 years 5km event at the NSW State Age Open Water Swimming Championships, at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith Lakes, December 2012.

On Sunday the 2nd of December 2012 I competed in the 12 – 15 years 5km Event at the NSW State Age Open Water Swimming Championships, at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith Lakes. Luckily it was much cooler than the previous few days with the water temperature 26°C and the ambient air temperature slightly higher. There were varied water conditions throughout the race including murky brown water, occasionally disturbed by the waves from the safety boats. There was a breeze of about five knots (10 km per hour) blowing down the course. There were varied weather conditions from cloudy with intermittent sun to rain, with a heavy downpour during the medal presentation, just after the completion of the race.

The race started out with more than 100 competitors crowded three deep, as we waited for the red flag, which would signify our start. We swam the first 1.5 km leg of the race in crowded conditions with everyone trying to get the best position. Rounding the large turn buoys is quite difficult, especially in a large group, but luckily the field had spread out by the time we had to round the first buoy. In the middle of the second lap it started to rain and this meant that there was a notable decrease in water temperature. The race consisted of two 2.5 km laps of a rectangular course, with a total of seven legs. At the end we had to swim under the finishing gate and raise our arm to touch the finish sign, suspended above the water.

I finished in a time of 1:13:50.21 qualifying for Nationals in February.
Courtney Bicknell