Image 1: Swimmers from Pioneer Swim Club competed in the Queensland Championships in Brisbane last week
Image 2: Annaliese Miles, Isabelle Miles, Stevie Brand and Georgie Brand
Image 3: Ella Bounden, Kylie Smith and Jade Bounden
Image 4: Kylie Smith, William McGrath, Jade Bounden and Ella Bounden
Image 5: Stevie Brand and Georgie Brand
A number of Pioneer swimmers travelled to Brisbane for a week of swimming at the 2022 McDonald’s Queensland Championships held at the Sleeman Aquatic Centre last week.
Kylie Smith, who also coaches, swam in three events over three days, swimming in the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly events.
Kylie swam within her time for each event but achieved a 0.04 second personal best in her 50m butterfly on her last day which she later described as the highlight of her week.
Jade Bounden swam in 2 events, swimming in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly.
This wasn’t Jade’s first rodeo for State level competition, and she did the Club proud swimming strong.
And a huge congratulations to Ella Bounden (younger sister to Jade) who qualified for the first time to swim at the Championships.
Ella’s highlight of the week was achieving a whopping 0.20 second personal best in her 50m backstroke.
She also swam in the 50m freestyle, swimming within her time.
William McGrath also swam at the Championships in the 50m backstroke.
Will has always been a Pioneer swimmer but since moving to Brisbane has transferred to another club, still frequenting Pioneer training when returning to Mackay for school holidays.
The Club still claims him as ours and cheered him from within the arena and afar nevertheless!
Pioneer Swim Club also had three swimmers attend to represent Swimming North Queensland in the relays: Isabelle Miles, Stevie Brand and Georgie Brand.
Annaliese Miles and Kailu Bellear also qualified as reserves for the relays.
This was Isabelle’s first-time swimming in the Sleeman Complex and excitement was high.
Pioneer coaches, swimmers and families congratulate all swimmers on strong performances at the Championships.
Each and every one of you have done your club proud.
Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno
