Sport
29 March, 2026
Piranhas celebrate successful season of swimming
This season, the swim club consisted of 34 registered swimmers who trained for a total of 10 weeks.
SUPER swimmers the St Arnaud Piranhas have celebrated the end of a successful season with their presentation night.
This season, the swim club consisted of 34 registered swimmers who trained for a total of 10 weeks.
Across the district, there were eight swim meets, and our swimmers achieved some outstanding results.
“It has been fantastic to see so many new families join the club this season,” Club president Scott Wilson said.
He acknowledge the Wimmera District 12 group for their collaborative approach throughout the season.
“They are a dedicated group who continue to support competitive swimming and provide opportunities for our kids and other swimming enthusiasts to grow and succeed in the sport.
“Thank you to our coaches for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the season. To the committee for running so incredibly smoothly.
“The swimmers, the families and all the volunteers that helped make this sport run. “
Together, the Piranhas brought home:
151 gold medals
87 silver medals
60 bronze medals
They also celebrated:
Two Age Group Champions
Two Open Champions and,
14 trophies
The presentation night, which took place last Wednesday, celebrated the season and acknowledged those who performed exceptionally well with an award.
Club coaches congratulated each winner and wrote a short message for each of them:
Dr Ian Allen Memorial Trophy - Lewis Lowe
“Lewis has demonstrated outstanding commitment to training, attending the majority of sessions and making the effort to complete training beforehand if he is unable to attend at the scheduled time.
“He approaches every session with a positive attitude, never complaining and always completing the work set for him.
“Throughout his swimming journey, he has achieved several Junior Excellence awards through Swim Australia, highlighting his dedication and progress in the sport. Won countless medals, trophies and donning the sash for age group champion on multiple occasions.
“He always gives his best effort and shows genuine passion for his swimming. For two consecutive seasons, Lewis has been awarded the Leigh Amos Memorial Trophy — a fantastic achievement.”
Coaches Award - Stacey Taylor
“Stacey has been an outstanding mentor to the younger swimmers in the Senior group this season,” the coaches said.
“She has also stepped in to assist with coaching when needed and is always willing to help with any jobs that arise.
“Her commitment has been exceptional, attending nearly every meet and training session throughout the season.
“As coaches, we are incredibly appreciative of her support and dedication.”
Coaches Award - Matilda Kirk
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“Matilda has shown a fantastic attitude at training all season,” they said.
“She is very receptive to feedback and makes a genuine effort to apply it to her swimming.
“Matilda has also transitioned seamlessly into the Senior group, fitting in extremely well and contributing positively to the team environment.
Backstroke – Grace McNally
“Grace must truly love backstroke,” they said.
“She regularly competes in the 100m backstroke against swimmers up to three years older than her and still manages to place — a fantastic achievement.
“We admire Grace’s dedication to her swimming and the positive, can-do attitude she brings to every training session,” coaches said.
Breaststroke – Chad Polkinghorne
“When Chad first began swimming breaststroke, he was using a butterfly kick, so there was plenty to work on,” his coaches said.
“To his credit, Chad embraced the challenge. He is an eager learner who has practised tirelessly, asked questions, and taken on feedback to improve his technique.
“His hard work has paid off - he now demonstrates excellent arm action, strong leg kick, and swims confidently without fear of disqualification.
Butterfly – Harry Kirk
“With very little formal practice, Harry surprised everyone by discovering his natural ability and enthusiasm for butterfly.
“He will take any opportunity to swim this challenging stroke and has shown great determination in doing so. Harry swam the butterfly legs at both of our swim meets this season and also achieved a second place in his individual event. A wonderful effort and exciting potential ahead.
Freestyle – Maddie McNally
“Maddie has stepped up into the Senior group with confidence and maturity, fitting in seamlessly from the start.
“We knew she was ready for the challenge, and it has been fantastic to see her embrace the opportunity.
“Maddie has achieved a Junior Excellence award through Swim Australia for her freestyle, qualifying with her impressive individual freestyle time.
Individual Medley – Heidi Start
“Heidi has developed into a very well-rounded swimmer, now showing confidence and capability across all four strokes.
“She has worked especially hard on improving her breaststroke this season, and this progress is clearly reflected in her Individual Medley performances.
“Competing in the event four times this season, Heidi achieved the outstanding milestone of breaking the three-minute barrier at Championships.
2026/2027 Club Captains: Leo Kay and Milla Taylor-Rogers.
First year swim meet swimmers:
Eva, Alice, Harper, Harry, Emily, Matilda, Leon, Will T, Gracie, Will S, Eddie, Chad, Stacey (come back).
Attendance Award: Harper and Riley won most attendance on 29 nights. Leo on 28 and Milla on 25.
“This now concludes our season,” Mr Wilson said.
“Thank you to all our supporters and we can’t wait to be back next season in a newly refurbished pool.”
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