Mainstone and Wilson Win State Titles
WA swimmer Rhys Mainstone turned it on for the 1000 spectators at the recent Swimming WA Open Water Championships finishing just one one-hundredth of a second ahead of rival Trent Grimsey in the 10km event.
Three time Australian Open Water Champion Grimsey traded the lead with Mainstone – a WAIS scholarship holder – multiple times throughout the race, before succumbing to Mainstone’s speed in the final 500m sprint.
With one of the largest open water crowds in recent history cheering him on, Mainstone stole the show finishing in a solid 1:51.46.
Grimsey claimed a visitors silver medal for his efforts, while WA swimmers Simon Huitenga and Jason Evans took out the official state silver and bronze medals respectively.
In the women’s event Brooke Wilson made it a double for WAIS, launching a successful defence of her state title in the 10km distance, finishing first in a time of 2:05.55 ahead of Heidi Gan (2:07.10) and Rachael Cooper (2:28.17).
Wilson was kept honest with the inclusion of South Australian Alice Whiley who clocked the fastest time of 2:02.33, picking up a visitor’s gold.
Australian Open Water Coach Greg Towle was also in attendance to give guidance to WA’s up and coming open water competitors, delivering a clinic for the younger swimmers after the event.
Results from the weekend’s event are now available online at www.openwaterswimming.com.au
The next event in the Swimming WA Open Water Series will be held at Leighton Beach on the 2nd January and will feature the $500 Team Challenge event.
-SwimmingAustralia