Covid-19 restrictions saw this year’s championships held simultaneously at different pools in each state, with the swimmers’ times then compared to determine the winner of each event.
Swimming at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre over three days from Friday, ASC coach Clinton Camilleri said their five-member team of Bianca Walton, 16, Natalia Jovanovic, 14, Ricky Betar, 17, Lachlan Sheehy, 19, and Jenna Jones, 19, included first time open nationals swimmers through to seasoned Australian team members.
“A stand out effort was Ricky Betar breaking the 200m Individual Medley world record on Friday evening,” he said.
“The Year 11 student was really focused during the Covid lockdown and returned with a great mindset.
“His execution in training has been on point over the past few months and his world record is really a culmination of his efforts.
“The meet was a great hit out after a fairly tumultuous year and sets a really good platform to work off leading now into our Olympic and Paralympic preparation.
“It also gave our up and comers a taste of open level competition which will be invaluable for the development.”
World record-breaking swim thrill
WHILE many headed to the pool to cool off, the Auburn Swim Club kept things hot in the water with a world record-breaking swim at the Virtual National Short Course Championships on Friday.
