2009 Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth - Results and Event Report
SMOKE AND STORMS CLEAR FOR PERFECT SWAN RIVER RACE
Claremont Masters Swimming Club was the proud organiser of Australia’s oldest open water swimming race, the 90th 2009 Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth held on Sunday 18th January in the picturesque Swan River. In addition to the traditional 4km race starting at Barrack St, swimmers also took to the water in the 2.2km Xstrata Nickel Dash from the Old Swan Brewery with all swimmers finishing on the banks of Matilda Bay in front of the UWA Water Sports Complex.
Excellent weather and water conditions greeted the field of 226 swimmers aged from 10 to 83 years of age with Rhys Mainstone (aged 18) taking out line honours in the 4km event in a time of 45:55 mins, followed by Harry Child in 46:06 and Bill Kirby in 46:55. The first female was Melissa Benson (aged 25) in a time of 47:04 edging out Jaime Bowler who came in at 48:03. Third female was Jenna Ward in 49:28. Thirteen-year-old Gemma Smith was awarded the Ron Grannery Trophy for the fastest swimmer under 14 years crossing the line in a time of 52:30.
The 2.2km Xstrata Nickel Dash featured both solo and team swimmers with the “Mankinis” team of Oliver Cairns, Ben Martin, Gavin May and Ben Savage recording the lowest combined time followed by the team from Xstrata Nickel. Storm Zitman (18) posted a time of 33:19 for the 2.2km course to take the first male overall and Amy-lee O’Connor (15) comfortably won the first female prize in a time of 34:26.
A post-race BBQ of Mt Barker Free Range Chicken Sausages held under the tress of the Matilda Bay Reserve was enjoyed by the competitors and spectators. As part of Claremont Masters Swimming Club’s commitment to contribute to the community, in excess of $2500 from the raffle and BBQ will be donated to The Paraplegic-Quadriplegic Association of WA in response to the serious spinal injury recently suffered by a much-loved club member. Claremont Masters Swimming Club would like to thank all the competitors, spectators and our generous event sponsors, Xstrata Nickel, Aqua Shop, UWA Sports and The Laminex Group for helping to make the 2009 Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth an overwhelming success and a great community event.
2009 Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth Event Report
2009 STP 2.2km Results - Solos and Teams
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