Our team of 16 swimmers achieved FIFTY ONE personal best times at the Speedo Sprint Heats, held on Saturday 2nd February at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

The meet started with the 50m Freestyle and it was clear from the beginning the hard work the swimmers had been applying to their starts had paid off.  Matt and Summer achieved their first State Age qualifying times and the team achieved 14 new personal best times between them.

The next event was the 50m Breaststroke and another 15 personal best times were smashed.  Majority of our swimmers were backing up from the 50m Breaststroke Championships held at Club only a few hours earlier and some swimmers swum two Breaststroke PBs in the one day! Unish was a finalist in the event and will contest the Speedo Sprint Finals next month.

50m Backstroke was the third event and another 13 personal best times were achieved, with the team taking off almost 30 seconds between them.

The last event was the 50m Butterfly and our swimmers continued to improve their times, with another 9 personal best times being swum. Matt added another swim to his State program, whilst Helen and Summer added to their Metropolitan program.  Niushka achieved her first Metropolitan qualifying time.

It was fantastic to see our swimmers supporting each other and cheering on each other from the grandstand.  

Congratulations to all our swimmers on their amazing performances today and thank you to our parents for being such a wonderful support crew.

Merrylands Swim Centre and Merrylands Amateur Swim Club (ASC) are turning 50 and to celebrate Cumberland Council and Merrylands ASC are hosting a breakfast and pool party on Saturday 10 November.

Mayor Greg Cummings said that for 50 years the Merrylands Swim Centre has been a cornerstone of the Cumberland community, where generations of locals have grown up learning to swim, competing in carnivals and cooling off from the summer heat.

“Fifty years is a huge milestone for the swim centre, the swim club and the entire community. Since its opening in 1968, thousands of Cumberland residents have come through the doors of Merrylands Swim Centre to enjoy the facilities,” Mayor Cummings said.

“As one of five pools in Cumberland, Merrylands Swim Centre forms part of the Merrylands Park Regional Sporting Centre and boasts an eight lane 50 metre competition pool, a training pool and a baby pool. Now that summer is here it’s the perfect time to get your togs out and go for a swim; Cumberland pools are open all summer long.

“All Cumberland residents are invited to join with current and former swim club members for the special anniversary event which will include club races, novelty events, pool inflatables, as well as a community breakfast. The event is free but regular pool entry costs apply.”

President of the Merrylands ASC and ASC member for more than 35 years, Graham Edwards believes that local swim centres such as Merrylands Swim Centre play a key role within the local community bringing together children, families and adults.

“As the local population continues to grow and age, the local swim centres are an essential community facility as they provide a range of activities, be that socially, educationally, recreationally and competitively,” Mr Edwards said.

“Swimming is a sport you can do all year round for your entire life, no matter what walk of life you come from. As a swim club we all enjoy and celebrate the successes of our members of all levels. New members are always welcome and we have swim programs for toddlers, children and adults.

“Any swimmer, young or old who can swim at least 15 metres can join in the races and registrations can be made online. We’re inviting everyone join us to help celebrate this milestone, find out what our club is about and have a fun time in the pool.”

• What: Merrylands Swim Centre and Amateur Swim Club 50 year celebration
• When: Saturday 10 November from 7am
• Where: Merrylands Swim Centre, 17 Burnett Street, Merrylands
• RSVP: Direct to the Swim Club via www.merrylandsasc.asn.au/50thanniversary/

Back row - Reece Tomkinson (Coach), Peter Johnston (Head Club Coach), Mayor Greg Cummings.
Front row - Alison Johnston (Coach), Helen Macpherson, Summer Shrestha, Charlie-Rose El Riachi

Excellent results from Merrylands' members at the Swimming NSW Achiever Squad Meet at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Saturday, 13th October, 2018.

Helen Macpherson and Summer Shrestha competed at the meet as part of the Metro South West team, with both swimming 4 new personal best times from their 4 events.

To top it off, Helen also qualified for the NSW Metropolitan Championships for the first time.

Congratulations to the girls on their results!