Spring Racing rolls on
We have hit the halfway mark of the Spring Racing Carnival. It has been a great chance for swimmers to tone up their racing skills ready for the Summer season. Squads have also enjoyed sessions after the races. Thank you to Alison who has given her time to provide these sessions for the squad members.
Races today include 400m distance. As we have previously advised, we will now be providing a signal to all 400m Freestyle swimmers, with timekeepers asked to ring a bell when the swimmer in their lane has two laps plus 5m to swim to finish (i.e. during the 300m turn). The signal must be repeated after the turn until the swimmer has reached the 5m mark on the lane rope.
During September the swimming centre opens at 7.00am and we aim to commence races at 7.15am.
A reminder that Spring Racing Carnival events do not accumulate any points towards the Summer Season Graded Races Point Score and these swims do not qualify for Club Championship qualification in the Summer Season.
There are two more Saturday’s where every swimmer and volunteer participating in our Spring Racing Carnival goes in the draw to win 2xDay Passes to Sydney Action Park (renamed Wet & Wild). The winner will be drawn on our first Summer season race day on Saturday 3rd October. See the flyer at the end of Whales Tales for more information.
Club Uniforms
It’s time to check what uniforms you may need to purchase for the season. Club uniforms and equipment can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop, visit club shop.
If you have any questions, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).
Swimming NSW Registration is open
A reminder it is time to renew your Swimming NSW membership via SwimCentral. Swimmers require a 2026/2027 membership to be able to enter events after 1st October.
Instructions on how to re-register for the Summer season are on the How to Join page.
Club Merrylands has again kindly provided support to enable us to provide Free Membership for swimmers 8yrs & Under, who regularly swim in our club races. See the club website for more information about this.
Club Uniforms
It’s time to check what uniforms you may need to purchase for the season. Club uniforms and equipment can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop, visit club shop.
If you have any questions, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).
Swimmer Spotlight – Jude Johnston
This week we shine the spotlight on Jude Johnston.
Tell us about your swimming journey
I started Learn to Swim with our Merrylands Club when I was really young. When I got to primary school, I didn't want to do the school's Swim Scheme program, so I tried out for our Club Squads and got into Novice! Peter was my first squad coach. I like doing squad drills where I don't need to use my legs and only using my arms.
Favourite strokes
I like Breaststroke the most. I'm getting better at Butterfly and I'm pretty good at Freestyle. Backstroke is my least favourite because I keep sinking and my kicks aren't great.
Swimming goals
Generally, I'd like to keep improving and not get any worse. This season my goal is to do 100m Butterfly! I've never done it before, only 50m and I'm getting better at it as it's starting to click and come together.
What do you like about our Club?
Just like what everyone else says - the sausage sizzles! I also enjoy hanging out with my friends here - particularly playing handball and 'digging mines'! The story behind that? About two seasons ago, the squad kids and I had a dream goal to dig a trench from the top of the hill to the bottom and meet the poolside drain. Unfortunately, with busy schedules and all, we haven't completed it yet. I'm not sure if it's now just a big hole or a little trench.
Proudest swimming achievement
Getting awarded Zone Age Champion for 11yrs boys last year!
Something interesting about me
I like playing drums - dad taught me. I can also play the Ukulele - also taught by my dad! Something funny I like to do at the beach, is to slather myself up with sunscreen and then roll around in the sand!
School Holidays
Yes, School Holidays are almost upon us again. Need to keep the kid’s engaged and entertained?
Club Merrylands will have a number of events available. Keep up to date on these by visiting their website. So far, they are advertising Kids Bingo https://www.clubmerrylands.com.au/events/category/kids-school-holiday-events
A number of our families are also organising other events. Sharp Shooters Archery has been targeted as one of these events 😊. Talk to Denise Assi, as there may still be some spots available for the booking on Tuesday 6th October
Upcoming Meet Calendar
Check the website for the full list of upcoming meets, closing dates, programs and qualifying times.
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MEET NAME
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MEET DATE
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ENTRY CLOSING
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NSW State Masters SC C/Ships
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10th & 11th October
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2nd October
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MSW Long Course Championships
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14th & 15th November
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TBA
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Masters LC LD Championships
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22nd November
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13th November
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SNSW Youth Metropolitan C/Ships
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28th & 29th November
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TBA
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NSW Senior State Championships
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15th – 21st December
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TBA
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Speedo Sprint Heats
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30th January
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TBA
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Merrylands SwimFest
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13th February
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TBA
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NSW Senior Metropolitan C/Ships
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19th – 21st February
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TBA
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Speedo Sprint Final
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27th February
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Heat Qualifying
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NSW State Open Championships
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5th – 7th March
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TBA
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NSW State Youth Championships
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20th – 21st March
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TBA
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