Mt Barker club smashes records, PB’s and medal tally at Swimming WA Country Championships

Smashed records, improved results and dozens of medals marked the Mt Barker Amateur Swimming Club’s participation at the recent Swimming WA Country Championships.

The Barracudas sent a team of 12 skilled swimmers to HBF Stadium on January 5, achieving an impressive 75 per cent personal best rate.

The team also finished the tournament with a combined 27 medals around their necks, including eight golds.

Dylan Zijlstra led the club with 11 medals including five gold medals, while multi-class swimmer Kaleb Glass had three gold medals in the eight he secured.

Hannah Osborne broke almost every possible club record she could, setting new best times in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke, 50m and 100m freestyle and the 200m individual medley.

Zijlstra, Adam Large, Osbourne and Holly de Jonge also represented the Barracudas in the Great Southern Regional relay team.

Zijlstra showed the potential of becoming an emerging coach after successfully guiding the junior squads to a strong competition.

Barracudas head coach Ligia Galvez was overjoyed with the team’s efforts in the pool, particularly with their big improvement and regional representation.

“This is the most relay teams for the Mt Barker Barracudas at Country Champs during my time at the club,” Galvez said.

“Sitting on the edge of my seat, watching personal best times being broken was a privilege. I am so proud . . . to be part of this team.

“Great Southern Regionals and Kalgoorlie Country Pennants, here we come.”