IN KEEPING with the “Welcome to the Jungle” theme, ten swimmers from the Hervey Bay Humpbacks Masters donned combat pants and jungle camo team shirts as they travelled to Cairns for the biennial Great Barrier Reef Masters Games. 

Held from 29th to 31st May, the event attracted Masters swimmers from across Australia.

The Humpbacks team embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, bringing home a staggering medal haul of 33 gold, 15 silver, and 2 bronze medals. 

Their efforts also resulted in 17 Games records and one Queensland State age group record.

Among the standout performers was 20-year-old Emmily Lingard, who won 9 gold medals from 9 events, setting 8 Games records. 

She was joined by her mother, Kym Lingard, who also secured 9 medals from 9 events. 

Emmily also went on to swim at the Australian trials in Adelaide on June 9th and clocked an impressive time of 31.81 in her 50m backstroke heat.

Shannon Macdonald made a strong return to competition, winning 6 gold and 2 silver in the pool, as well as a gold medal in the 1.5km Open Water Swim at Lake Barrine. 

She also claimed a Queensland State record in the 400m backstroke and set 4 Games records.

Nineteen-year-old Balin Whitford impressed with 6 gold and 3 silver medals, setting 5 Games records. 

His mother, Narelle Whitford, also made a return to the pool after three years and shoulder surgery, winning a gold in the 200m freestyle and two silvers.

Veteran swimmer Paula Hewett, aged 71, earned 2 silver and 1 bronze medal in her favoured butterfly events, while her husband Terry Hewett placed in the top ten across four breaststroke events. 

Fellow 71-year-old Diane Edmonds secured a bronze in the 200m freestyle and narrowly missed the podium in five other events.

Stewart Germon took gold in the 3km open water swim and followed up with 3 gold and 1 silver in the pool. 

His partner Debbie Lewry achieved three top-ten finishes, all personal bests.

The women’s 200–240 relay team—Emmily, Kym, Diane, and Shannon—won two golds, while the mixed 200–240 relay team—Narelle, Paula, Balin, and Stewart—claimed a silver.

Masters Swimming promotes swimming for fitness, friendship, and fun, regardless of age or experience. 

The Hervey Bay Humpbacks meet every Sunday at 9am at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre, with training followed by morning tea. New swimmers are always welcome.