2012 Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth

An Appealathon Project proudly presented by Claremont Masters Swimming Club.

RECORD FIELD TAKES TO THE WATER IN AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST OPEN WATER SWIM

Claremont Masters Swimming Club was the proud organiser of Australia’s oldest open water swimming race, the 93rd 2012 Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth held on Sunday 22nd January in the picturesque Swan River. Ideal weather conditions and a new circuit course for both the 1.6km and 4km events made for a fast and enjoyable race.

A record field of 265 swimmers took to the water in the two events with Rhys Mainstone (aged 21) taking out line honours for the sixth year in the 4km event blitzing the field in a time of 36:49 minutes. He was followed by Simon Huitenga (23) in 37:50 and Paul Laver (27) in 38:32. The first female was Jaime Bowler (aged 30) in a time of 42:53 ahead of Naomi Watters (32) in 43:55 and Carolyn Gorrick (31) in 45:44. Twelve-year-old Megan Stephens was awarded the Ron Grannery Trophy for the youngest swimmer to complete the 4km course and she did so in a very speedy time of 56:09 and clearly has a very bright future ahead of her.

The 1.6km Xstrata Nickel Dash Charity Team Swim featured 5 teams with the Surf Lifesaving WA team of Vic Paul, Nicola Corsbie, Briohny Smith and Colin Plant recording the lowest combined time to take first place ahead of the CGL Industrial and Screaming Wahoos teams. Solo results saw Peter Wood (35) take line honours and first male in a time of 18:04 ahead of Paul Vivers (49) in 18:38 and Paul Mackay (33) in 19:47.There was a tight tussle for 1st female across the line with Jess Bunford (21) crossing in 20:21 just ahead of Georgina Kovas (31) in 20:24. Third female was Mikala Third female was Mikala Falconer (16) in a time of 21:21.

Event Patron and seven-time World Marathon Swimming Champ, Shelley Taylor-Smith was on hand to support all the swimmers before and after the event with special attention going to those novice open water swimmers.

A post-race BBQ of Mt Barker Free Range Chicken Sausages held under the trees 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, proceeds from the raffle and BBQ will be donated to The Paraplegic-Quadriplegic Association of WA with in excess of $3500 being raised this year.

Claremont Masters Swimming Club would like to thank all the competitors, spectators and our generous event sponsors, Xstrata Nickel, Channel 9’s Appealathon, Aqua Shop, UWA Sports, Coventrys, Partner Foods and View for helping to make the 2012 Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth an overwhelming success and a great community event.

For further information on the 2012 Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth please contact;

Elena Nesci, Event Coordinator, 0415 314 082 or elena.nesci@ozemail.com.au

Results