The 2023 Theodist National Swimming Championships was hosted successfully with 9 national records set and two international events qualified for swimmers. This was a two-day event held 29-30 April at Taurama Aquatic Centre's 50m pool complex.
Of the 9 records, one was from 14-year-old Tokome-Garap while the rest were Masters Records.
The female swimmer, Jhnayali Tokome-Garap took the 50m Backstroke record for the 14-year-olds with a finish time of 34.28. The previous record time of 34.69 was held by Nicole Comerford set in 1995.
PNG Masters Records
· Male 25-29 Age division, Holly John took the 50m Butterfly record swimming a time of 28.65 previously held by Ashley Seeto in a time of 28.68 set in 2017.
· Female 40-44 Age Division, Michelle Garbutt took the 50m Freestyle record clocking a finish time of 32.09 previously held by Louise Franklin 38.53 set in 1998.
· Female 40-44 Age Division, Michelle Garbutt took the 100m Freestyle record clocking a finish time of 1:18.05, previously held by Robbie Dunstan in 1:51.96 set in 2005.
· Female 40-44 Age Division, Kaye Kahn set an all-time 50m butterfly record clocking 47.16.
· Female 55-59 Age Division, Tracy Nen set her own 50m Freestyle record clocking 1:07.08
· Male 55-59 Age Division, Warwick Vele took the 50m Freestyle record clocking a finish time of 32.73, previously held by Francis Tau in 34.11 set in 2015.
· Male 60-64 Age Division, Francis Tau set the record for the 50m Backstroke with a time of 40.16.
· Male 60-64 Age Division, Francis Tau set the record in the 100m Freestyle clocking 1:19.30.
A total of 80 athletes competed in 47 different heats, such as Women 100 LC Meter Backstroke, Men 100 LC Meter Breaststroke, and Women 50 LC Meter Butterfly.
BASC President Elizabeth Wells said the event brought together talented and enthusiastic swimmers and volunteers from Boroko Amateur Swim Club (BASC).
“This prestigious event on the PNGSI calendar brought together our talented and enthusiastic swimmers and volunteers from Boroko Amateur Swimming Club (BASC). There were some excellent performances from our eighty-four (84) athletes who competed in their individual events over three sessions with nine PNG National Records recorded,” stated BASC President Elizabeth Wells.
Meanwhile, the two international events that the Theodist National Championships made possible for swimmers are the World Aquatics World Championships to be held in Fukuoka, Japan from the 23rd to the 30th July and the Commonwealth Youth Games taking place in Trinidad & Tobago from the 4th to the 11th August, 2023.
Abigail Ai Tom, Georgia-Leigh Vele, Nathaniel Noka and Josh Tarere will compete in the World Championships of Aquatics. Those competing in the Commonwealth Youth Games for Team PNG include Joanna Chen, Rihannah Makail and Jhnayali Tokome-Garap.
The event was an absolute success as it showcased athletes from all walks of life and age groups. The atmosphere was electric as the swimmers competed to make their mark in the history of Theodist swimming. It was an enjoyable event for everyone involved.
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