Ohana Aquatics’ masters swimmers rolled back the years to punch above their weight at last weekend’s national masters championships.
Competing at the historic Rachel Finlayson pool on the Durban beachfront, Ohana Aquatics’ 17 swimmers earned 57 individual and 49 relay medals between them. When measured by medals per swimmer, the club placed second, competing against swimmers from across the country.
Aside from the overall team results, there were also some standout performances. The men’s 40-45 4x100m freestyle team of Paul Bees (team coach), Warren Seery (team captain), Marc Kourie and Jeff Norton broke the South African record in the age group. Meanwhile, Bianca Meyer won the Peter Pirow trophy, awarded to the best performance in the 400m individual medley, calculated against age category and world record times.
Masters swimming includes anyone over the age of 19. There was even an 85-year-old competiting, proving the value that organised competition can add later in life.
“The adrenaline and nerves never go away. Most of us felt like we were racing as if we were still in our teens!” said Seery.
“It is good to be competitive and having that in one’s life is important. When you have the support of a team like Ohana, it makes the process so worth it.”
Ohana is a Hawaiian word that means family and the club certainly practises what it preaches. The Bees family founded the club and Boenie Bees (family matriarch and learn-to-swim coach) and her three children Paul (masters coach), Robyn (coach) and Cheyne (coach and founder) all play an active role. Seery said the close-knit feeling makes a difference in the pool.
“I might be biased, but I would definitely say that we were the loudest club. Whenever someone was swimming, everyone was on their feet cheering,” said Seery.
“It was an incredible atmosphere that helped us to get over the line in many races.”
Seery urged all masters-eligible swimmers to join the club, even if they have no desire to compete.
“Some of our team members at the gala were not even former swimmers. These are people who have taken up the sport later in life and discovered a passion for it.”
Ohana Aquatics also has a very successful junior swimming team, which means there is a home at the club for you, no matter the age or skill level.
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