As we’re now into December, I thought it was timely to repost this great photo from last summer of Coach Bart and the Victoria Park squad on a Fun Friday session. It definitely feels like summer has arrived early, with all the smoky skies and warm days. A dreadful time for many in NSW with all the bushfires.
The Bondi to Bronte Swim on Sunday heralded the start of the ocean swimming season for many. I’m thrilled to see so many Sydney Swimmers entered this event with Coach Bart and Suanne just missing out on a podium finish. They both came fourth in their respective gender and age categories. Well done to all the swimmers!
Sadly after four plus years of squad coaching for Sydney Swimmers while studying medicine, Bart will be leaving Sydney and our squad at the end of the year for Canberra. Yes, we now need to start referring to him as Dr McPherson as he heads off to fulfil his dream profession as a medical doctor. Bart will be coaching up until we break for Christmas. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for his great coaching and creative programs. I know he will be sorely missed by all our swimmers. I wish him every success in his new career and life in Canberra.
Coaches Christina and Charm will be stepping into Bart’s shoes taking over the Tuesday squad sessions at Victoria Park Pool from January. They will be sharing the coaching of the squad, ensuring you hit your swim goals by working to an overarching program for each season. We are still finalising who will coach on Fun Fridays and Sundays in 2020. I will come back to you with those details once they are confirmed.
With many committed to social activities on the weekends in the lead up to Christmas, we have decided to pause the Sunday Squad sessions at Victoria Park Pool until after the summer holiday period. The sessions will recommence in February.
Different Strokes Swimming has been instrumental in organising the first women’s only swim carnival with Masters Swimming NSW and the Swim Sisters. This event will be run on Friday 13th December in the evening at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, Lidcombe. The carnival is open to all female swimmers, not just Masters Swimming members and should be a fun evening. It would be great to see some Sydney Swimmers squad members there. The details are further down in the newsletter.
Given the silly season is just around the corner, we thought we’d have a bit fun and run one or two challenges for you to enter before the end of the year. Check out the details below. As they say, you’ve got be in it to win it!!
I look forward to seeing you all at squad training soon!
Best,
Kari – Director
Different Strokes Swimming