SWIMMING: For what was her first major swim meet coaching the Dalby Dolphins, Mary Parrott couldn’t have been more proud of her swimming stars as they kicked off competition season with a band.

“They all worked really hard, and they all swam really really well,”

“Just to see all the techniques and little tips and training over the last six weeks coming together really nicely.

“Some of the older kids might not have gotten the times they wanted but they were swimming beautifully. And the same with the younger guys, they were all swimming really, really well.”

Dalby hosted over 200 swimmers from clubs all over the region for their first major meet on Sunday, with some of our top swimmers standing out among the rest.

Among the standout performers in the pool were Gemma Ruddy, Catherine Carter, and Lachlan Fraser who all shaved seconds off their personal best times and performed to the best of their ability, so early in the season.

Parrott said the most rewarding part of seeing her swimmers compete was seeing the kids recognise how their hard work was paying off.

“We’re in the pool for at least 10 sessions a week, and to see their technique progress and get sharper and quicker and more elegant to watch and to see them get out of the pool with the biggest smile on their faces … it’s really good,” she said.

Learn-to-Swim co-ordinator Kelly Smith said the day was a success because of the hard work of Dolphins president Damian Sternes and his committee, who worked tirelessly to make sure the day went off without a hitch.

But it was the achievements of the swimmers that really made the day special.

“The highlight for me is when the little fellas do their 50 metres butterfly and they get out with a big grin on their faces even though it’s been torture for the last 50 metres,” she said.

“I love carnivals. The community coming together, that’s what I love. And the kids supporting each other … It’s very impressive.”

Next up for the Dolphins is the Country Championships to be hosted early next year.