Author: Jay Loureiro

On the 14^th of February, the 19 members of Abbotsleigh swim team went to Sydney Olympic Park to race. For some of our swimmers it was their first time not only representing Team ABB, but also racing in a big competition. We could not ask for a better day, the swimmers got to the pool drop their things and went straight into their activation to then start the warmup at 8AM.  The energy that it was possible to feel straight from the start was a set up for what was coming up during the day. Lots of smiles and amazing swims throughout the day and amazing results.

Team ABB had 37 top 10 placings spread across 11 swimmers and in all four strokes. What a great effort. Here is the break down of our placings:

1^st  place – 3 events

2^nd place – 7 events

3^rd place – 8 events

We would like to also congratulate the following swimmers for being selected to represent the area at the Speedo sprints finals on the 6^th of March at Sydney Olympic park aquatic centre.

BLACK, GRACE – 50 Back; 50 Fly

LIU, CLAUDIA – 50 Breast; 50 Fly

O’HARA, FREDDIE – 50 Free; 50 Breast

PRIMDAL, MARCUS – 50 Back; 50 Fly

TAN, LEISEL – 50 Free; 50 Back

VALMADRE, LARA – 50 Free; 50 Back; 50 Fly

Go Team ABB!

Shaun Champion, Holly Nelson and Emily Washer represented Team ABB at the 2020 Virtual Short Course Championships at SOPAC. The event was timed across the country so that the majority of racing was completed at the same time, despite the time zone changes. It was an initiative that connected the best in each State to compete again.

Shaun won 3 events in NSW, 50 butterfly, 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle, placing 8^th in Australia in 100 Butterfly. Holly smashed her personal best time with an outstanding swim in the 200 freestyle and Emily re-entered the competitive environment with a fast 50 Butterfly.

Shaun, Holly and Emily brought positive energy to each of the four sessions and I know all 3 swimmers drew energy from our Junior swimmers who were swimming at the Junior Metro Championships on the same weekend. We all inspired each other to be your best and this is what Team ABB spirit is all about.

Great effort everyone.

Meet report for Junior Metros

Metropolitans championships was success, the goal was to keep the same mind set as SMNE, and once again the swimmers were ready and prepare for the two days of racing. Due to Covid-19 restrictions swimmers had seat in allocated seats away from their parents. Knowing this the team stayed together throughout the meet, showing their Unity to each other. This also gave time for the team to have some fun team activities as some games of UNO in the lunch break,

On a more serious note, out of a total of 18 individual entries we had 15 PB’s, and 4 top ten finishes.

What a great result and congratulation to all athletes. Well done Team ABB!

The 4th of December was a big day for our Abbotsleigh athletes. For the day we had the following:

1- Christmas race league

2- Welcoming the new Abbotsleigh members

3-Presentation of Senior State rep caps

The day started with our Annual Christmas race league, the swimmers came prepared and ready to bring the best of their abilities mixed with the best of their Values and team spirit. There was two teams, Lions and Orcas.

Lions as the ruling champions wanted to keep the trophy with their name on it but it was the Orcas that came trough and were able to bring enough points to became the new champions.

After an exciting race league the next step in the agenda was to welcome our new Abbotsleigh members.

And last but not the least we presented our senior state representatives with their State rep caps and recognize their effort and commitment throughout the year.

Race Night on Tuesday 23^rd November with White Squad went wonderfully well.

Coach Leon encouraged all swimmers to practice what they had been working on in training. This race night provided a great opportunity to see how each swimmers stroke technique and race skills are developing under race conditions. I addressed the group about racing, being part of Team ABB, showing support for each other and having a few nerves was a positive feeling.

What happened next was great fun. Swimmers full of smiles, cheering each other on and challenging themselves to their best. The energy was super. Great effort White Squad and Coach Leon.

I would also like to thank Meredith Wang for compiling the Certificates, so our swimmers could share the joy with their Parents.

Go Team ABB!

Amanda Isaac

Congratulations to our 15 speedy swimmers who raced at SMNE on the weekend.

For most of you it was your first competition post COVID. Your patience and dedication to improving at training certainly paid off at the meet.

As coaches we really enjoyed the weekend and seeing you bring your best energy to every race.

We spoke on Friday morning about the meet, how to go about it and how we will support each other throughout the two days. See the pic attached for details.

It was outstanding to see you apply what you have been doing in training and do it with a smile on your face.

Team ABB Spirit award for the meet: Shaun Champion

Congratulations Shaun. We want to recognise your positive attitude and application to racing. Making improvements from Saturday to Sunday is a great example of KAIZEN. You are a great example of a learner. We also want to recognise every swimmers contribution. Everyone showed their Team ABB spirit in their own style and that is what we want to see.

We look forward to Junior Metros, Virtual Australian Short Course and State Champs for 13 years+ in December.

At Abbotsleigh swimming club our Athletes had the chance to come dress up as who and whatever they wanted. These activities allow the swimmers to dream, and use their imagination. A chance to do something different that might or might not reflect their personality or interests. Either way everyone is accepted and welcomed within the team. Everyone got together from our Junior Athletes to our Senior Athletes. It was amazing to see everyone involved. Thank you also to the parents for supporting and engaging with this activity.

A moment of fun and laughter. Go Team ABB!!!