Harvey swimmers showcase their best

Every competitor from the Harvey Swimming Club went home with a personal best at the Harvey Open competition on February 15.

The annual meet saw 325 swimmers and spectators float through the gates, with 133 of them racing on the day.

However, the meet was down in numbers from previous years because of another meet in Perth, which event officials said drew some of the usual crowd.

There were 14 clubs at the 19th consecutive open and the club was thrilled with the result.

Fifteen-year-old Ash Riches took home one silver and four bronze medals on the day.

“I was super happy with how I swam on the day,” Ash said.

“I have been swimming for about five years and it’s a great way to keep fit.”

Alby Bach said he smashed his personal bests and was elated with his breaststroke performance.

Swimmer Brooke Bentley also performed well on the day. She won gold in breaststroke and bronze in butterfly.

One of the coaches, Daniel Fielder, who has been involved with the club for almost two decades as a swimmer and then a coach, said the team performed really well.

“It is great to see young swimmers do so well, especially at a local event,” Mr Fielder said.

Mum Sonia Riches said there was a great vibe on the day and visitors complimented the club.

“The club is run by volunteers, people like Daniel and then also Christine Fielder and Janine Rae are the foundations of the club,” Mrs Riches said.

“They keep supporting the club even after their children stopped swimming.”

The Harvey swimmers are now busy training for Country Pennants in Geraldton which will take place next month.