THE largest number of competitors participated in the 38th running of the Portsea Swim Classic on Saturday.
Tragically, Simon Weatherill, the 67-year-old former head of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, died of a suspected heart attack while participating in the classic.
Portsea Surf Life Saving Club president Matt Mahon said “thoughts and prayers” were with Weatherill’s family and friends.
Tommy Lane, 18, of Brighton, took line honours in the 1.5km classic and 2.5km gold events.
Coming second and third in the 2.5km race were Sam Sheppard and Portsea life saver Logan Brandi.
Four hours later Lane won the 1.5km race from Josh Doherty and Jorden Merrilees.
“It was a nice strong current, which helped me to go very fast,” Lane said after the race. ‘’I wasn’t really sure where I was in the field, I just had to go for it.’’
Ultra marathon swimmer Brianna Snyders was first female home in 1.5km classic. The 25-year-old Rosebud occupational therapist was followed in the sprint up the beach by Dominque Hart and Sofia Piaia.
In the opening 2.5km gold event, Portsea lifesaver Mackie Hunter was the first female home, with 15-year-old schoolgirl Sophie Jacka second and Catie Boyle third.
The point-to-point course, which started at The Cutting near Portsea pier, saw competitors swim across Weeroona Bay before heading west around Police Point, along the Point Nepean foreshore, to finish at Jarman Oval in Point Nepean National Park.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 23 January 2024
