THE Hamilton Olympic Swimming Club (HOSC) hosted its second winter swim meet of the short course season on Sunday at the Hamilton and Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre (HILAC) with a great turnout for the event and some great local success.

A massive number of competitors and spectators came from all over the region and even interstate to compete on Sunday with the hopes of improving and achieving personal best times.

A number of Hamilton locals were in action and performed well with a large portion of the group set to qualify for the Victorian Championships in August.

There were over 100 swimmers competing on the day and the local club had a great representation as 34 Hamilton swimmers took part in a number of different races.

Kids from ages 7-18 got in the pool and did their best with a great amount of success coming from some of Hamilton’s most exciting up and coming swimmers.

HOSC president, Ali Wedding said the event was a huge success and was larger than the meet the club hosted last month.

“Our second meet of the short course season was amazing … it ran smoothly and was well organised and supported by our committee,” she told The Spectator.

“The swimmers appeared to have a great meet, with many personal best times achieved over the day.”

Wedding was pleased to see competitors from all over resulting in a bigger turnout than the previous meet.

“We were pleased with the number of swimmers registered to attend the meet, some of them came from as far away as Melbourne, Geelong, Warrnambool, Mt Gambier and Horsham,” she said.

“117 swimmers competed at the meet; this was an increase from our first meet of the year in May where we had 94 competitors.”

It was an exciting day for the club as swimmers did their best to reach Country and State qualifying times for Victorian Championships that are held in August.

Some swimmers attended their first meet so there were a wide range of swimmer abilities from beginner to elite. 

The meet includes a large range of ages and skill levels and whether state championships are the goal or just completing a race, everyone is welcome.

“We were so proud of our Hamilton swimmers, some were racing for the very first time while others are reaching the elite level of competition,” Wedding said.

“We won a number of relays which was very exciting to watch and there was a lot of individual success as well. 

“Detailed analysis of the results has not yet been completed, however it would appear that approximately ten of our swimmers have achieved their goal of making one of more qualifying times for these events.”

Wedding said the club received plenty of good reviews about the meet which ran very smoothly and had settled into her new role of president well.

“We have received nothing but positive feedback from swimmers, parents, coaches and the visiting clubs and technical officials,” she said.

“The club has a team of talented and hard-working coaches, and a strong committee who work hard behind the scenes to support our amazing swimmers ranging from Nemos right up to Performance Squad … I am enjoying the role.”