Record-breaking year propels Piranhas to finals
Former Olympian Brit Elmslie and the Piranhas are getting set for the State Championships.
The Nambour Piranhas are again gearing up for the Queensland State Swimming Championships, off the back of a successful 12 months.
Last December the Piranhas welcomed former Olympian Brit Elmslie as their new head coach handing over from previous coach David Simon who headed off to the USA. David spent much of his time overseas as a valued Piranha representative, creating connections and helping to forge future pathways for club swimmers.
The Piranha’s swimmers have embraced their new leadership with enthusiasm. Coach Brit’s enthusiasm and first-hand knowledge as a swimmer have been invaluable for swimmers and their families. Brit is enjoying being back on the Sunshine Coast where she started her own swimming career as a junior athlete.
“What a privilege it is to be a coach,” Brit said. “My only hope is that I add value to the lives of the kids I get to guide and influence. Swimming holds the power to teach young people so many valuable skills – from dedication to time management. I see my role as coach to empower my swimmers to find enjoyment and a sense of purpose along their swimming journey.”
Brit’s coaching philosophy has paid dividends. A remarkable 18 Piranhas fronted the Queensland State Sprint Championships in February. Lucy Piell won silver in the 50m Freestyle MC and bronze in the 50m Breaststroke MC.
The Australian Age and Multiclass Championships in April saw 3 Piranhas swimmers achieve qualifying times to race at Australia’s top age group swim meet. Led by Coach Brit, the team performed strongly, with two top 20 finishes by Hamish Jackson.
At the Queensland Short Course Championships in August, 8 Piranhas swimmers took to the pool at Chandler in Brisbane. Hamish brought home gold and bronze medals in the 200m and 100m Backstroke respectively, while Lucy Peill achieved bronze in the 100m Individual Medley MC.
In addition, 20 Piranhas represented at Wide Bay Long and Short Course Championships and dominated the pool for 26 gold, 5 silver and 14 bronze medals, as well as producing two Age Champions.
The Piranha’s club hosted three home meets in the last 12 months, bringing together swimmers from all over southeast Queensland and beyond, providing quality racing opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
The Piranha’s are looking forward to welcoming over 300 swimmers and their families to the Nambour Aquatic Centre on Saturday November 9, to contest their annual Nambour Long Course Meet. Spectators are welcome to come along and see some fierce and fun racing.