Mackay Cyclone Swim Club Makes a Splash at Country Championships

Twenty-one Mackay Cyclone Swim Club qualifiers travelled to Rockhampton over the Australia Day long weekend to compete in the inaugural Queensland Country Championships.

Coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier said it was a significant achievement for the athletes to not only meet the qualifying standards, but to compete alongside regional swimmers from across the state at such a high level.

“For many of our State and National level athletes, travelling to Brisbane and the Gold Coast multiple times each year to compete is the norm,” she said.

“Having this level of competition closer to home is a financial blessing for many families.”

The championships have been years in the making, thanks to the efforts of Swimming Queensland and the team at Southside Aquatics, including Rocky City coach Shane Kingston.

The Cyclones were represented across every age group, with 10-year-old Harper Miles the club’s youngest qualifier and senior swimmers Vaughn Wyatt and Ehsan Helou, both 17, leading the older ranks.

Several athletes used the meet to chase qualifying times and refine preparations ahead of April’s major national competition on the Gold Coast. Among those targeting key performances were 13-year-old Montana Townley, 16-year-old Audrey Bryan, 13-year-old Tamika Ness and sprint specialist Ehsan Helou in the 50-metre events.

Across three days of heats and finals, the 21-strong team delivered an impressive collective performance, securing fourth place overall out of 45 clubs.

It was a result built on teamwork, determination and pride — and one that reflects the strength of swimming talent emerging from regional Queensland.

One thing was clear throughout the weekend: the Mackay Cyclones were fired up, excited and ready to race at this historic first-time event.

Photos and article courtesy of Alisha Ness.