GALLERY: A great big splash

While success swelled up like a big wave at the Aqua Athlete gala at Rand Park Primary School, the swimmers’ enthusiasm did not ebb and flow.

Instead, rapid swimmers maintained bubbly passion as they raced at roaring speeds to win ribbons commemorating their achievements.

Aqua Athlete owner, Adrian Goate said 85 swimmers between the ages of four and 20, from the club, the hosting school and nearby areas, competed in breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, the individual medley, and a fun relay on the day.

Gia Lazzari (7) competed in all the categories except the individual medley. “The swimming was great. I like swimming and I love to win. I will definitely come again next time they have a gala,” she said with a grin.

Luke Ziegler (13) participated in breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke and butterfly, and was glad he was the only boy his age, as he had the opportunity to race against older boys.

GALLERY:  Aqua Athlete gala at Rand Park Primary School

Indeed, the day was a surging success, according to Goate. “It was wonderful to see swimmers as young as four having the guts to come and dive and do 25m lengths,” he said. “The purpose of the gala was to introduce gala swimming to young swimmers and give the club and local swimmers an opportunity to compete.”

One of the highlights of the day was when club swimmers and brothers, Wazier and Irshaad Kara had missed their breaststroke race because they apparently went to get tattoos. When they finally arrived at the gala they were made to dance and then race each other for the crowd’s amusement.

At the end of the day, a whopping 64 competitive races were held after which a mixed-age and mixed-gender fun relay concluded the event.