Bathurst Swim Club looks back on a strong season following recent award presentations

The club recently gave out awards for their winter season shortly after home swimming carnival, in which the Bathurst team sent out a big squad against clubs from across the state.

While the biggest highlights for the club were the recent national qualification times of Caleb Cashman and Alex Evans (alongside Sienna Whalan's existing qualification), there were great moments across the board.

Bathurst Swim Club head coach Josh Stapley said 2021 will be the yardstick for the team to try and match from here on out.

"It's been awesome. It's certainly the most successful year the club has had in recent times, at least since records have been kept. That's really exciting, and it's been great seeing it continue to grow," he said.

"With how sporadic the training's been over the last few years - going through two COVID lockdowns - to then come out the other side, not only staying where they were but excelling past their previous levels, is amazing.

"We had another two national swim adds to the program next year. The numbers have also been great. Sending 60-plus away to carnivals is something we haven't done before."

Stapley oversaw the championship double in the M&S season, and was not just impressed by that effort but also the way the team maintained their high standards outside of those major events.

"We came together and put on an unofficial time trial, which didn't count for anything, but gave them an opportunity to get together before the latest lockdown. It's been great to be back just racing locally. Going months in, months out training for nothing can be really hard, especially for those at a young age," he said.

"I've been seeing the impact it's had, not being able to go away to competitive events, and I think that Bathurst carnival the other week couldn't have come around at a better time. If it was in its usual spot in January we might have been struggling a little bit."

The pick of the bunch were recently celebrated at the club awards.

Most dedicated club member went to Logan Johnson, most improved went to Natalie Groves, the sportsmanship award when to Georgie McPhail and athlete of the year went to Jack Mulligan.

"Logan's been kicking away at it for a long time and he's always been one who doesn't complain and gets in and does the work. It's great to reward him for that effort," Stapley said.

"Natalie is one of our young stars, and her sister actually won this award last time it was handed out. It definitely runs in the family. She excelled over the winter season.

"Georgie has been a great supporter of the team. She even went away to a carnival she wasn't swimming at just so she could cheer them on.

"Jack has had an exceptional season. He picked up six NSW country medals, including two gold, and three junior state age medals. It's been a breakthrough season, and at 13 years of age he's got a long career ahead of him."

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