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NS Aquatics is at the forefront of developing award-winning swimmers. Their remarkable performances at the Australian Open Water Championships in Perth showcase the hard work, dedication, and expert coaching that make this program stand out.
Under Head Coach Angelo Basalo, at the WAC, NS Aquatics athletes, representing Warringah Aquatic Swim Club, achieved incredible success, demonstrating that talent and perseverance truly go hand in hand. From podium finishes to personal bests, these swimmers gave it their all in the grueling open-water races. Luke Higgs made a real impact, taking 1st place in the 17-year 5km race and securing 2nd in the 7.5km event. Elisha Cuthbert, Tom Northcote, Noah McLaren, and Olivia Corr all did a great job completing the 5km in some outstanding times.
They're also excelling in the pool, including Speedo sprints and local and interstate carnivals, as the swimmers prepare for Aussie Surf Nationals and Swimming Australia Age and Open Nationals held in late March and mid-April. Congratulations to Sam and Luke Higgs, who have been inducted into the NSW Institute of Sport for their ranking and high achievement in swimming. Gemma Selick, who is on the Australian Para Futures team, smashed it at the World Para Series in Melbourne, where she won 1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 3 Bronze medals, breaking her own Australian record in the 14yrs 100 Breaststroke.
SURF STARS MAKING WAVES
It’s not just in open water and the pool where NS Aquatics swimmers excel. Under the watchful eye and coaching of Narelle Simpson at Manly ABC Aquatic Centre, they’ve been dominating the surf scene as well. Pipi Te Pania has been outstanding in surf, becoming the youngest this year to make the Ironwoman Series at just 16. The Shaw and Partners World Ocean series wrapped up on 23 February with Pipi the overall U17 female series winner in the Ironwomen swim and ski, and 3rd in the board. She also achieved an amazing overall 3rd place in the open female swim rankings.
Jeanette Brits (63) is winning all the ocean swims she enters, including placing 4th overall (male and female) in the 5km Cole Classic and securing 1st female. Tom Northcote also performed brilliantly, finishing 3rd overall in the 5km. Rowan Webb (53) competed in the Rottnest Island 19.7km swim, achieving 2nd in his age group and 39th overall on his 10th solo swim. He has always achieved 1st or 2nd in his age group and top 10 in 8 out of 10 solo swims, but COVID dampened efforts for his 10th solo in 2022 and cancellation at 14km last year. His achievements have been brilliant across many open water swims of 10+ km, especially in the Bondi to Watsons Bay rough water classic.
In the Cole Classic, Jesse Jackson took 1st place in the 1km, while JJ Ranatawake secured 3rd in the 9-12 years category. Many NS Aquatics swimmers achieved personal best times and podium finishes, including Mika Stockdale, who placed 3rd in the highly competitive 12-15 years 2km swim. Elisha Cuthbert claimed 1st place in the U17 Ironwoman at the Manly Shaw & Partners World Ocean Series, while Matilda Young secured 2nd place in the U15 Ironwoman at the same event. Over at Cronulla, Millie Gaudry took 1st place in the U12 Ironwoman. JJ Ranatawake won the U12 Ironman.
WHY NS AQUATICS IS ON TOP
The success at the Australian Open Water Championships, along with the ongoing achievements in open water and surf at Manly, highlights the world-class coaching and supportive environment that define NS Aquatics. Coach Angelo and Narelle (head coach at Manly NS Aquatics) are incredibly proud of the team’s dedication and growth.
“As a coach, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our athletes push their limits and achieve great things, both in the pool and in the surf,” says Angelo. “Our swimmers' success is a direct reflection of their commitment, their training, and their belief in themselves. It's a team effort, and I couldn’t be prouder.” And Narelle couldn’t agree more.
READY TO DIVE IN?
From learning to swim to competing at an elite level, your swimming goals are in safe hands at NS Aquatics. If you're ready to step it up with elite coaching with some of the best in the business, get in touch with NS Aquatics today. •
