Jan Croft, 73, came out on top in the 5km ocean swim 70-75 age group
Monday 7 November 2016
By Jasmine Rolfe
More than 100 swimmers, aged from their teens through to their 80s, this morning (Monday) took part in the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG) ocean swim event at Mermaid Beach.
The sun was shining and a sea of pink and green caps could be seen across the water in three separate events – the 5km, 2.5km and the 1km swims.
Making a splash in the 5km event was Jan Croft, 73, who came out on top in her age group of 70-75 years.
The proud Queenslander’s competitive nature took her all the way to the Commonwealth trials back in 1962 where she trained with the likes of legendary Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser.
“I’m from Dawn Fraser’s era and that was a long time ago!” Jan laughed.
These days Jan coaches swimming in her home town of Noosa and encouraged her masters apprentices to join her in the ocean swim at JPPMG, which will be the third time she’s competed at the games.
“It looked a bit choppy out there so it was hard to psych the boys up because the older you are the more you get hammered,” Jan said.
“But once you were out it was a magnificent swim. I loved every minute of it.
“Congratulations to the organisers, that was a true open water swim.
“Let’s hope we have more of them!”
Perth’s Paul Blackbeard receives some tips from his coach before the ocean swim at Mermaid Beach
The first swimmer to cross the finish line overall in the 5km race was 58-year-old Paul Blackbeard from Perth. Having grown up in South Africa, Paul is a veteran of the surf and also a former South African national (pool) swimming champion.
“This is my first games and it looks a bit rough out there but we’re all in the same boat and I’m used to swimming in the surf,” he said.
Paul considers the ocean swim at JPPMG a fun training session to start the season and is enjoying catching up with friends at the games.
76-year-old Barry Laundry loves the spirit of the JPPMG and swims every day in his home town of Yeppoon. Barry braved the surf to compete in the 2.5km race today with his proud wife and fellow masters competitor Beverley cheering him on from the finishing line.
“I swim every day. It’s part of my lifestyle,” Barry said.
“It’s only our first event, but it’s a lovely area and lovely beach and everything seems to be well organised.
“We’re very happy!”
The 10th biennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games is being held 5 – 13 November 2016 on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The event showcases competition in 43 sports and is hosting 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.
