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Sri Chinmoy 5km, 2.5km and 500m Lake Swims, Yarralumla Swimming Beach, Sunday 18 February 2024, full results by category 142.87 KB

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Calm waters and clear skies welcomed swimmers, helpers, supporters, swans and spectators at Yarralumla Swimming Beach for a revered Canberra tradition – the annual 5km, 2.5km and 500m Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims.

If there were an award for best family performance EVER, the Wielands from Sydney today put their stamp on this event in emphatic fashion. Son, Ned Wieland won the 5km swim outright by a whopping margin with 1:07:55; dad Mark Wieland claimed 1st place Male 60-69 in the 5km in 1:27:30 (new age group record); daughter, Tippy won the women’s 2.5km race outright in 42:47; mum Pip Wieland came 2nd in the Female 50-59 in the 2.5km with 53:00; while while brother Duke came 2nd in the Male Under 50s of the 2.5km with 33:20! (it took a new course record to defeat him…)

Full results by category are listed on the website – here we mention only some amazing Course Records which fell on the morning:

Helen Rubin, mindful that no over 70s woman has ever completed the 5km swim at this event, wrote herself into the history books with a trailblazing 2:52:46. No matter who comes after her, she will always be the first to hold this coveted record! Not to be outdone, Graeme Wolfenden, also participating in the over 70s for the first time, not only lowered the men’s record in this new category, he exactly equalled his standing record in the Male 60-69 from 7 years ago, to the second – of 1:34:16! It’s a good thing that Graeme did step up a category too, because his Male 60-69 record meanwhile succumbed to Mark Wieland’s outstanding swim of 1:27:30. Mark, in turn, had to surrender his existing Male 50-59 record to the flying Austrian, Michael Pranckl, whose fine performance of 1:16:44 also earned him 2nd place outright.

James Thorp seemed to swim the entire 2.5km in a sprint, dashing to the line in a new all-time best of 32:47. Also in the 2.5km, Andrew Dawes smashed a 12-year-old record in the Male 50-59 with his outstanding 42:43 (which placed him 4th overall).

In the 500m dash, Mikaela Cooper broke an 11-year old record in the Female 17 and Over with her outstanding 8:46, which also won her the race outright (2 seconds ahead of Male 17 and Over winner, Oscar Morgan’s 8:48).

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Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims – 5km, 2.5km & 500m – Sunday 19 February 2023, full results by category 131.78 KB

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Like a vagabond, the Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims has roamed from place to place for several years, so it was with a welcome sense of homecoming to hoist the banner alongside the Sri Chinmoy “Dreamer of Peace” statue, and see swimmers toe the water once more at Yarralumla Bay swimming beach.

The lake has never appeared more welcoming than on this morning, a placid surface beckoning under a sky of languid blue. With ever-increasing traffic enjoying the lake on a perfect Sunday morning, and to shepherd the field as closely as possible, a 1.25km loop was selected for the occasion – swum twice for the 2.5km swim and 4 times for the 5km race, which was first to take the plunge.

In the men’s race, 17-year-old William Aikman was unchallenged from the start, swimming in clear water with decisive strokes to claim the laurel wreath in an impressive 1:15:45. Next home was local hero, Perry Blackmore, his 1:20:07 taking out the Male 50-59 category. Next home was champion swimmer Michael Brennan with 1:25:12, from Peter Debeljakovic’s 1:27:54. Vincent Dunn took 2nd place in the M50-59 with 1:31:14, with Balarka Robinson 3rd in 1:35:49. Matt Carkeet was first home in the M60-69 with 1:40:34.

Beth Bryan swam a beautifully controlled race to take out the women’s event in 1:24:10, from Emily Kempson with 1:29:57. Susie Gunning swam a marvellous race to take 3rd among all the women and establish a new course record in the F60-69 of 1:35:08 – just in front of Janelle Ahern who was first amongst F50-59s with 1:35:34, ahead of 2nd placed Kerry-Ann Michels with 1:41:19 and Susan Henderson in 2:05:13. The ever-green Janet Gorst took 2nd in the F60-69 with 1:53:59.

The 2-lap race was next to set sail, and proved a much closer contest - Kipp Kaufman, drawing away in the end to take line honours with 35:04 from 2nd placed Cameron Boland with 35:46 and Gregory Smart’s 38:14. Andrew Dawes led the Male 50-59 category with 41:32, from Peter Thorley’s 42:59 and Aston Duncan with 47:46. Grant Thomas took out the M60-69 with 48:48 from Alex Gosman’s 49:12 and Craig Kentwell with 49:43; while Terry Dixon carried the banner for the Male 70 and Over with 58:15.

Melanie Wellenberg was a fine 3rd outright in the race, while winning the women’s event in 37:21, from 2nd placed Tara Olsthoorn with 40:21 and Sabrina Moir in 41:51. Monica Lindemann was best among the F50-59 with 55:54, followed by Tina Woodward’s 57:12. The immortal Anne Smyth won the F60-69 with a fine 46:42, from Belinda Robinson’s 1:00:49; while Helen Rubin set a new record for the Women 70 and Over in the 2.5km swim with 1:25:10.

The 500 metre sprint race was won by Stephen Blake for the men in 9:38, from Sebastian Cox with 9:52 and Hannes Hollmann in 9:54; while Mikaela Cooper claimed the women’s race with 9:30, from Amanda Coggins in 10:41 and Heather Lansdowne’s 10:45.

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Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, Sunday 20 February 2022, full results by category 110.67 KB

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A perfect morning for the Sri Chinmoy 5km, 2.5km and 500m lake swims at Yarralumla Bay. The water was silky smooth and the skies were clear. Close to 100 swimmers arrived to test out the waters and their abilities over the three distances, affording everyone an opportunity to feel the thrill of racing again!

Our 5km warriors set off first, tackling 4 laps of the 1.25km course, giving us all at the shore a thrill as they came motoring in each time to start their next lap. The clear leader from the start was Harry Braddick, with a swimming style that was a joy to watch as he approached the shore to finish in a time of 1:08:35. 2nd place went to James Waldersee in a great time of 1:21:38 and not far behind him Peter Debeljakovic in 1:24:35. In the women's under 50 category, Emi Cashman took out the honours in a time of 1:16:01 and also comfortably claimed second overall, emerging from the water looking fresh and strong. Second place went to Orlanda Sexton in 1:24:26 and third place to Ashleigh Webb in a time of 1:26:35.

Nicolee Martin swam one of the performances of the day to set a new course record for the Female 50-59 in the 5km race, with a fine 1:28:51; while Janet Gorst continued her stirling form in the F60-69 with 1:50:10. Perry Blackmore won the M50-59 category in 1:20:55; while Graeme Wolfenden took out the M60-69 in 1:36:42.

In the 2.5km race, Tyler O'Keefe led from the start, with a course record time of 34:32!! No wonder when second place Gregory Smart came in with the excellent showing of 37:34, he hadn't seen Tyler even out in the distance. Third place went to Billy Nicoletti in 45:02. We might be able to see course record for the Sri Chinmoy National Capital 10km Length of the Lake being broken later this year, if Tyler gets a team together.

Taking out the Women's 2.5km event, Megan O'Neill won in 43:36, with Amy Dwyer coming in 2nd with 45:35, followed close behind by third place Kim Louw in a time of 46:27.

Our Men's 70 and over record in the 2.5km was also smashed today with Trevor Scott's time of 46:23, taking over two and a half minutes from the previous course record set in 2016.

Anne Smyth who currently holds the record for the Women's 50-59 in the 2.5km can now add a new record to her name. Anne won the Women's 60-69 race in the 2.5km in 45:14, taking a whooping 7 minutes off the previous record time.

In our sprint race today over 500m, first place in the Male 17 and over went to Jeremy Chen, in a time of 10:32, followed closely by Greg Little in 10:52, with third place going to Toby Smith in a time of 12:23. The Women 17 and over first place went to Heather Lansdowne in 10:15, second going to Brittany Meers in 11:08 and third to Lucy Jesiolowski in a time of 12:44.

Much gratitude to all for coming to enjoy a morning out on the lake, test your fitness and enjoy some great company, we look forward to seeing you all at our next race.

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Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims (5km, 2.5km & 500m), Lake Ginninderra, Sunday 21 February 2021, full results by category 117.61 KB

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With a last-minute change of location to Lake Ginninderra, Canberra compensated with the most perfect conditions for the annual swimming races today – calm, flat, warm water in picture-postcard surrounds…

The 5km swimmers started first on this 1.25km loop. As the lead pack came in after one lap, you could see how competitive the field was, with 4 swimmers neck and neck, generating excitement along the shore line as Jarrod Poort broke away from the Wieland brothers to take out the race in a fantastic time of 1.02.06, a close second going to Ned Wieland in 1:02:15, with brother Duke Wieland third in 1:02:26. Matt Carkeet dominated the Male 50-59 in a time of 1:39:54; while Graeme Wolfenden took out the Male 60-69 in 1:35:49.

The women's race was dominated by Nicolee Martin from the women 50-59s, taking not only 1st place in this category, but also 1st place outright in a time of 1:29:39, with 2nd place in this category also taking 2nd outright – well done to Suzie Gunning in 1:31:10. First in the women's under 50 was claimed by Melissa Joy in a great time of 1:31:56, second going to Janelle Ahem in 1:33:34 and third to Jasmine Delaney in 1:53:36. Janet Gorst took out the female 60-69 in an excellent 1:50:25.

In the 2.5km race we had another sprint finish with Guy Boland taking the 1st place in a time of 36:10, Gregory Smart taking second place in 36:19 and third going to Joseph Lovie-Toon in 45:30. A special mention to Glen Sturesteps who was in the wetsuited category, but probably played a significant role in pushing the field along, finishing just 2 seconds behind Guy in 36:12.

Andrew Dawes took out the 1st place Male 50-59 in a swift 39:38; while Phil Aungles took out the Male 60-69 with 50.18.

In the women's 2.5km race, Megan Keil won in a time of 40.43, second going to Shannon Kellett in 42:39 and third to Emily Stacey with 43:57. In the Female 50-59 category, Ann Reid came in first in 48:07 with Anne Smyth comfortably winning the 60-69s in a sizzling 46:22.

Our sprint race started with an enthusiastic field of swimmers with quick, fun and fast out and back course. The outright winner of the race in a close head to head with some other competitors was Rebecca Tiley in 10 minutes flat, in the girls under 17s. Second overall and 1st in the Female 17 and Over went to Brigette Bragg in 10.03, while 3rd overall and first in the Male 17 and Over was claimed by Alistair Buttimore in a time of 10:09. It was a great finish to watch!

Congratulations to all swimmers who made it along to compete: a beautiful day was enjoyed by all. We look forward to welcoming you all at our next event

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Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, Acton Ferry Terminal, Canberra, Sunday 23 February 2020, full results by category 131.91 KB

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Anyone who faced Shane Warne bowling in his prime will appreciate the varied challenges facing Canberra’s open-water swimmers and event organisers alike. The vagaries and fluctuations of water quality in our lakes and rivers constantly surprise, flummox and test the fortitude, equanimity and flexibility as much as any wrong-un or flipper served up by the Sheikh of Tweak himself.

Fortunately, adaptability is a prime quality of endurance athletes, so the shaded glade alongside the old Ferry Terminal at Acton overlooking a glass-tabletop lake welcomed an intimate, relaxed and grateful gathering to fully savour these rare conditions at one of the only beaches in the ACT open to swimming on this glorious morning. A 1.25km triangular course nestled neatly in the placid bay between Commonwealth Ave Bridge and the National Museum with no wind or traffic of any kind made for a clear, easily navigable route.

Michael Brennan interrupted his morning long training ride to swim 5km, as part of his training for the Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic in Jindabyne 2 weeks from now – and duly set a blistering early pace to establish enough of a lead to win in 1:19:07, and hold off the challenge from a strong Cristhian Molendowski in 1:19:48, with Brendon Tasker finishing 3rd with 1:32:52. Lloyd Dobson meanwhile took out the Male 50-59 (and 3rd outright) in 1:27:13; Bob Welldon the Male 60-69 with 1:50:04; and the indefatigable Terry Dixon the Male 70 and Over, moments after Bob in 1:51:16.

Janelle Ahern was fastest among the women 5km swimmers, taking line honours with a smooth 1:34:34 from the consistent Laura Marshall in 1:42:33 and Claire Stutchbury with 1:51:45. Tricia Bowman won the Female 50-59 in 1:41:19; and Janet Gorst the Female 60-69 with 1:58:48.

The 2-lap 2.5km swim saw an impressive win in the Under 50 men’s race from Greg Smart with 38:03, from Chris Boardman’s 46:01 and Max Heffernan in 46:57. Andrew Dawes took 2nd outright however, in winning the Male 50-59 in 39:53, ahead of Steve Whan 3rd outright with his 42:05. Alex Gosman added to his historical trophy haul, taking home the Male 60-69 with 48:29 in a close-run race from Tim Booth’s 48:54; while the seemingly-immortal Geoff Llewellyn continued showing us all what a true champion is, the oldest participant in winning the Male 70 and Over in 1:26:44.

Winner of the women’s race was Anne Smyth, from the Female 50-59 category in a fine 44:37, with 2nd place Ann Reid also from the F50-59 in 48:38. Fastest among the Undefr50 women came Jolin Edmondson in a solid 48:43, ahead of Carolyn McLaren with 52:47 and Julie-Ann Guivarra in 55:49. Claire Wall took out the Female 60-69 with 1:14:08.

Gianni Bonansea was too swift for all comers in the 500 metre race, winning outright from the Boys Under 17 category in 9:47. Fiona Butler took out the Female 17 and Over in 10:16; and Sean Mullins the Male 17 and Over with 12:04.

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Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, Sunday 24 February 2019, full results by category 136.53 KB

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A change is as good as a holiday, and sometimes enforced change can turn out to be a blessing in disguise. So it was with the 2019 Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, which were not able to be held at the traditional venue of Yarralumla Bay due to concerns with lake water quality. The move across the Molonglo to Black Mountain Peninsula swimming area proved a delightful and fortuitous surprise.

Due to the comparative narrows of Tarcoola Reach (between Black Mountain Peninsula and Weston Park), the loop had to be reduced to 1.25km, meaning that the 2.5km comprised 2 laps while the 5km swimmers would go around 4 times. An advantage of this reduction meant that shore-bound spectators could witness much more of the on-course action throughout the races. A light breeze created some wavy waters in the mid-lake but otherwise competitors found the course relatively fast and easy. Rowers were especially polite and patient in accommodating the new species found in their habitat – swimmers.

Ned Wieland raced unchallenged in the men’s 5km event to just miss the 1-hour mark with a superb outing of 1:00:33, from 2nd Nicholas Alnutt in 1:03:35 and Nicholas Grinter’s 3rd-placed 1:09:11. In the Male 50-59, Lloyd Dobson won a tight race in 1:17:03 from Ned’s father, Mark Wieland in 1:17:29. The Male 60-69 proved a blue-ribbon category, with Keith Bennett taking the honours in 1:26:57 from Alex Gosman’s 1:32:38.

Caitlin Risstrom took out the women’s 5km race in a fine 1:13:09, from Georgy Falster in 1:18:35 and Joanne Wilson with 1:26:02. Caroline Makin was 2nd woman outright, in comprehensively winning the Female 50-59 category in 1:16:09; while Petrina Quinn took out the Female 60-69 with her 1:53:53. Helen Rubin from Sydney was the back-marker ensuring the lake was all clear, in 2:19:42.

Melanie Wellenberg was 3rd placed outright in the 2.5km swim, taking out the Women’s race comfortably with an emphatic swim of 34:20, from 2nd placed Tracy Clinch in 37:48 and Ellie Barrett with 39:20. Anne Smyth was 3rd overall among all the women, her fine 38:54 taking out the Female 50-59 category. Clare Wall meanwhile won the Female 60-69, coming in under the hour with 59:49.

Ben Freeman proved his class once again in the men’s 2.5km swim, completing the 2 laps in 33:03, from Greg Smart’s 34:12 and Guy Boland in 35:10. Goulburn’s Andrew Dawes fronted a competitive Male 50-59 field with an impressive 36:11, from Steve Whan in 38:17, with Neil Bowman completing the podium placings in 42:18. Daryl McGill took out the Male 60-69 with 52:41, while evergreen Geoff Llewellyn – who is well over 80 – was unchallenged in the Male 70 and Over category to sweep home in 1:14:25. Stalwart Lachlan Lewis was the sheepdog to the 2.5km field, rounding them up in 1:36:37.

The 500m swim was straight out and back today, with the return swim directly towards the rising sun posing an added challenge. The most competitive category today was the Boys Under 17, producing 3 of the first 4 placings: outright winner Alex Amon in 8:01, from Oscar Morgan in 8:43 and Gian Bonansea with 9:35. Crashing the boys’ party however, and taking 2nd place outright was a brilliant swim from Girls Under 13’s Madison Amon in 8:33, from Eliza Lawton’s 15:15. Luca Auzins won the Boys Under 13 with 15:17, just ahead of his dad Edwin who earned 2nd placing in the Male 17 and Over with 15:19, after 1st placed Phillip Livingstone’s 14:38. Heather Lansdowne took out the Female 17 and Over category in 10:06, from Anita Godley’s 11:11 and Emily Hanckel-Spice in 11:18.

Our gratitude to the Canberra Canoe Club for on-water support today, and to all helpers from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.

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Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, Canberra, 18 February 2018, full results by category 147.34 KB

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Canberra-bashing is a thing. Mostly it’s do to with politics and the thought-bubble that ”Canberra” is responsible for all the country’s woes, real and perceived. Yet the outlook from Yarralumla Bay swimming area on Sunday 18 February 2018, would have melted even the crustiest Canberra-sceptic into an avid Canberra-lover.

In the 31 year history of Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims at Yarralumla Bay, no-one could remember a better day. Warm, crystal-clear, radiant, the water calm and inviting, the very air smiling with contentment: swimmers and spectators alike were treated to Canberra at its very best on a perfect late-Summer’s morning.

The standout swim of the day came from Grace Hoitink. Grace was too classy for the entire field to take out the 2.5km race outright in 35:41, smashing the women’s course record in the process. Melanie Wellenberg’s 36:43 brought her 2nd in the Female Under 50 and 4th overall. Anne Smyth took out the Female 50-59 in 44:04; and Clare Wall the Female 60-69 with 1:07:12.

James Johnston won the Male Under 50 category, and 2nd place outright in the 2.5km race in 35:54, from Nicholas Grinter’s 36:13. Andrew Dawes won the Male 50-59 with 39:02; Tim Booth the Male 60-69 in 46:48; and Terry Dixon the Male 70 and Over with an excellent swim of 49:38.

The 5 km men’s swim saw a tremendous race between elite swimmers Benjamin Freeman and Ned Wieland, with Ben winning in the end in 1:06:10 from Ned’s 1:06:16. The same two had placed first and second in last year’s 5km race, with a winning margin of 4 minutes: by closing that gap to a mere 6 seconds, Ned has placed Ben on notice! Ned’s father, Mark Wieland took out the Male 50-59 in 1:21:51; and Greg Gourley the Male 60-69 in a sprightly 1:36:30.

Meanwhile the women’s 5km race went to Caitlin Risstrom in 1:21:49 from Nicola Johnstone’s 1:28:42. Suzy Gunning was the winner of the Female 50-59 in 1:36:24. One of the closest finishes came in the Female 60-69 category which saw a magnificent race between Pauline English (1:50:48) and Janet Gorst (1:51:09).

In the curtain-raiser event, the 500 metre swim, Oscar Morgan was first overall and won the Boys Under 17 in 8:41; Thomas Palmer took out the Boys Under 13 with 9:18; and Ronald Miller the Male 17 and Over with 9:11.

Charlotte Hyett took out the Girls Under 13 with 10:56; Natasha Tilley the Girls Under 17 in 10:14; and Leisa Cass won the Female 17 and Over with 9:13.

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Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, Canberra, Sunday 19 February 2017, full results by category 145.79 KB

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The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims are the oldest established lake swims in Canberra, having been staged from Yarralumla Bay swimming beach since 1987, making the 2017 edition the 30th anniversary of this prestigious event. Optimum conditions – a balmy 24.5 degrees water temperature, mirror-calm lake surface and zero wind – greeted a field of 114 swimmers for the 3 distances: 5km, 2.5km and 500 metres.

Brother and sister, Ben and Jemma Freeman were doubly victorious in the 5km swim held on Sunday 19 February. Ben took line honours with a fine swim of the 2-lap course in 1:04:53, while Jemma clocked 1:12:32. The other podium places were taken by Katelyn McGregor (1:22:54) and Jen Reid (1:27:06) for the women; and by English Channel aspirant Ned Wieland (1:08:05) and Nicholas Grinter (1:16:24) for the men.

Perry Blackmore swam his furthest distance to take out the Male 50-59 with 1:24:21; while Graeme Wolfenden won the Male 60-69 in 1:34:16. Nicolee Martin won the Female 50-59 with 1:29:20; and Pauline English the Female 60-69 in 1:47:07.

The largest field of the day took to the water in the 2.5km race, which also produced the closest finish, with a sprint to the beach between overall winner Max Green (35:37) and Male 50-59 winner John Fox (35:40). Oscar Johnston (36:38) and Alexander Lakic (37:09) took the minor placings in the Male Under 50s. Tom Booth was fastest amongst the Male 60-69 with 45:57; and Tim Mather in the well-contested Male 70 and Over with 49:17.

Janelle Ahern won the women’s race in 45:36, from Vanessa Goodspeed (46:26) and Ivy Prosser (46:45); with Anne Smyth taking out the Female 50-59 in 42:48; and Merilyn Bassett the Female 60-69 with 1:04:13.

The shortest race of the day was the 500 metre dash. Elizabeth Wigney literally showed the rest of the field a clean pair of heels, winning outright as well as the Girls Under 17 in a swift 7:50; Sophie Green took out the Girls Under 13 with 10:11; and Heather Landsdowne the Female 17 and Over with 10:11. Oscar Morgan won the Boys Under 13 in 9:42; Leon Richardson the Boys Under 17 in 9:27; and Trevor Matthews the Male 17 and Over in 9:18.

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Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims – 5km, 2.5km and 500 metres – Sunday 21 February 2016: full results by age category 141.34 KB

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The 30th edition of the Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims from Yarralumla Bay swimming beach was held in perfect conditions on the morning of Sunday 21 February 2016. Cloudy skies overlooked a still, calm lake as 106 swimmers covered the various distances of 5km, 2.5km or 500 metres.

The brother-sister combination of Ben and Jenna Freeman dominated the 2-lap 5km race: Ben just a minute outside the course record with his 1:05:35, while Jenna was similarly dominant in the women's race, winning in 1:10:21 which also placed her 3rd outright. Splitting the siblings was outstanding junior talent, 14-year-old Eskindir Gavel with a spirited swim of 1:08:21. These 3 were in a league of their own, even lapping several of the 2.5km swimmers.

In the Males 50-59, Keith Bennett (1:35:41) won despite Greg Gourley and Alex Gosman both finishing within a minute of him. Evergreen Geoff Llewellyn took out the Male 70+ with a gallant 3:09:04. Marianne Tecsy, visiting from France, won the Women 50-59 in 1:39:49; and Janet Gorst the Women 60-69 in 1:47:13.

James Johnston won the Men's 2.5km swim in en excellent 37:41; Phil Aungles the Males 50-59 in 46:22; the impressive Tim Booth the Males 60-69 in 44:20 and Tim Mather the Males 70+ in 49:16. Georgia Hardy swam fluently for her 39:49 to take out the Women's 2.5km race; Anne Smyth not far behind with her winning 40:25 time in the Females 50-59; and Christine Stock the Female 60-69 in 52:55.

In the 500 metres swim, Oscar Johnston took our the race outright and won the Boys Under 17 in 8:06; Morgan won the Boys Under 13 in 10:19; and Mick Hanbury the Male 17 and Over in 8:51. Jocelyn Mara won the Women's race in 9:10 in a sprint from Leisa Cass' 9:12; while Abigali Adera won the Girls Under 17 in 9:48.

Enjoy the excellent photo album from the morning.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy 5 km Lake Swim results by category 76.14 KB

Sri Chinmoy 2.5 km Lake Swim results by categroy 91.11 KB

Sri Chinmoy 500 m Lake Swim results by category 75.74 KB

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Was it a dream?

Can a morning really have dawned so perfect? – under a pale blue sky with painted-on stationary balloons, a pristine mirror of calm beckoned swimmers eager for its embrace.

In 3 waves embarking on quests of 5km, 2.5km or 500 metres respectively, a record field of 116 swimmers heeded the call of immersion, celebrating the lake and its morning wholeheartedly.

Teenage brother and sister duo of Benjamin (17) and Jenna Freeman (18) fulfilled the promise of the day with historic wins in the 5km swim, setting new course records for both men (1:07:25) and women (1:10:12). They also took the quinella with first and second placing outright. On a morning for fast times, next home were Samantha Young (1:13:13), Meagan Wigney (1:15:19) and James Stokes (1:15:43).

First in the Male 50-59 was evergreen Greg Gourley with 1:33:39. Deborah Davis took out the Women 50-59 in 1:53:03 and “superfish” Janet Gorst the Women 60-69 in 1:51:24.

The one-lap 2.5km race was won for the men by Phil Foster from the UK in 38:17 from his compatriot Greg Smart in 39:43; while Nicola Ross took out the women’s race in 41:59 from Irishwoman Eimear O’Brien’s 44:01.

Male 50-59s were led home by Canberra stalwart Phil Aungles in 46:49; Terry Dixon taking out the Men 60-69 with 51:07 and Russell Wenholz the Men 70 and Over with 1:07:43. Sue Bowden meanwhile led home the Women 50-59 in 56:12 and Merilyn Bassett the Women 60-69 in 1:03:04.

The shortest race of the day covered 500 metres. It seemed like a sprint in comparison to the longer swims, yet for some, just to cover this far was a supreme achievement.

When there’s only one entrant in a category, that entrant can be assured of a win and so it was with Max Green in the Boys Under 13s. Not content with just winning his category however, Max took the entire race outright with his outstanding swim of 8:19. Next best time belonged to Wayne Miller from the Male 17 and Over with 8:27 from Mick Hanbury’s 8:43. Under 13 girl Elizabeth Wigney was not far behind, taking her category with 8:57 – and likewise winning the women’s race – from Jessica Wallis in 9:07. Just between these two came the first Under 17s girl, Abigail Adera in 9:04. These girls showed the “grown-ups” how it is done, with the best Female 17 and Over being Kari Harlovich in 9:51.

So, was it a dream? Perhaps only the photo album from the morning can tell us for sure...

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims for 2014 were staged over 3 distances – 5 km. 2.5 km and 500 metres – from Yarralumla Bay swimming beach on Sunday 16 February 2014. Full results for each of the 3 distances follow:

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, 16 February 2014, 5 km full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, 16 February 2014, 2.5 km full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, 16 February 2014, 500 metres full results>>

Our Lake Burley-Griffin delivered the goods today. We had flat easy conditions and enough cloud cover so glare was not a problem. The water temperature was very comfortable for most swimmers presenting perfect conditions for those challenging themselves with either distance or time.

The swimmers finish in reverse order to their starting time. The 500m event was won by Stefan Schulz in 9.15, however the second place getter, awarded the same time of 9.15 was the U13 girls champion, Abigail Adera. This was a great swim from such a young competitor. Though the 500m field was small they all put in a huge personal effort to complete this distance.

Our 2.5km event was the largest race with 52 finishers today. The standout performances were from Alan Lloyd and Sally Parker who both did under 40 minutes. There were many noteworthy performances from swimmers in all age groups but I have to give the “gutsiest swim” award to Nurari Merry, swimming in the Lake for the first time in the longest swim of her life, and accidentally doing an extra 500m while suffering from cramps and cold.

This race is all about self-transcendence and the example all the swimmers set is an inspiration to all those watching.

Our real heroes were the ones completing the 5km event which was won by Gavin Mahoney in 1.18.01. All the swimmers deserve mention but none more so than Geoff Llewellyn who was battling out there for 2.28.54 and is over 80 years old. Geoff has been a regular competitor in Sri Chinmoy events for more than 30 years. We all admire his ‘never give up’ attitude.

Thank you to the Canberra Canoe Club for their assistance with safety; to First Aid Australia for the reassuring presence, and to all the willing volunteers. But most importantly, thank you to You the swimmers for your cheerful and inspiring efforts.

Full results are published, and also a photo gallery from the race.

Congratulations

Amalendu - Race Director

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims for 2013 were staged over 3 distances – 5 km. 2.5 km and 500 metres – from Yarralumla Bay swimming beach on Sunday 10 February 2013. Full results for each of the 3 distances follow:

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, 10 February 2013, 5 km full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, 10 February 2013, 2.5 km full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims, 10 February 2013, 500 metres full results>>

Race Photos

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We were all blessed with the best swimming conditions I can remember for this event. The wind was non-existent, the water calm and visibility excellent. The pleasant water temperature meant everyone was relaxed and enjoying a leisurely breakfast with no stampede to get hot drinks. Those who did wear wetsuits did so as preparation for other events.

This year saw a larger field of female swimmers in the 5km event, outnumbering the men on this occasion. The race was won comfortably by Haydn Valle in 1:15:25. Second and third place getters in the U50 males had to battle to the line with Corey Dimmer 2 seconds ahead of Rui De Sousa in 1:17:40. The Women’s U50 division was won comfortably by Nicola Johnstone in 1:21:18, 10 minutes clear of the rest of the field. Mark Wieland, M50-59, had a very good swim winning his age group but also second outright in the 5km swim.

We had a strong field of women 50-59 won by Anne Smyth in 1:29:01. Our only swimmer over 60 in the 5km event was Pauline English, winning her category in 2:00:30

In the 2.5km event we had 2 standout swims by Guy Jones and Brooke James, both winning their respective U50 divisions by large margins in times of 37.17 and 37.34 respectively. Alex Gossman was first M50-59 in 42.22 which was also the 3rd fastest non-wetsuit time in the 2.5km swim.

All the age group winners are worthy of mention but to keep this report brief please check the results and see what you need to aspire to win your age group.

In the 500m event we had a surprised and pleased winner in Wayne Miller in 8:00. This event has traditionally benn won by swimmers often U13 or not much older. This year the more mature swimmers got a look in and enjoyed some medals.

Thankyou to everyone who took part this year. Once again we were assisted by the Canberra Canoe Club in watching for the swimmers safety on the water, and I was assisted by my friends in the Sri Chinmoy Races team to make this event possible.

Full results are published, and also a photo gallery.

Stay happy and fit. See you next year.

Amalendu

Race director

Race Photos

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Conditions were very good for the 63 participants in todayâ€™s 3 events. The wind was almost non-existent providing a smooth surface and easier breathing.

The sun broke out for a while, making the leg towards Springbank Island a little harder but generally the visibility was excellent and the yellow buoys stand out nicely.

The 5km swimmers got underway first followed by the 2.5km swimmers 5 minutes later and then the 500m swimmers in the last wave. The other nice surprise â€“ the water temperature was perfect.

I last swam the 2.5km distance some 20 years ago and taking part today was a real joy. Luckily I had people ahead of me to follow, being one of the less visually blessed people. I have always enjoyed the family atmosphere at this race as we have a huge percentage of return swimmers. This year being a participant as well as organiser I enjoyed it on another level â€“ thank you fellow swimmers for your inspiration.

There were a few standout efforts that deserve special mention: ten year old Henry Palmerlee swam the fastest 500m time of the day in 8.05. In the 2.5km swim notable performers were F50-59 Anne Smyth 40.52, FOpen Hayley Gosman 39.11, M60-69 Tim Booth 43.27 (defeated all M50-59), and the fastest swimmer of the day, M Open Brendan Briggs 38.15. 75 year old Lachlan Lewis deserves an honourable mention for finishing in 1.56.15 for his persistence.

The 5km swimmers of course are the real stars for just being brave enough to start, never mind finish. Luke Palmerlee was the fastest male of the day winning the open division in 1.25.49. Some very good swimming by the M50â€™s saw Alex Gosman finish in 1.28.22 followed by Greg Gourley 11 seconds later. Both of our finishers in the M70+ division are long time friends of the race, each with more than 20 previous appearances in this event. Russell Wenholz was first in 2.00.00, followed by 77 year old Geoff Llewellyn in 2.39.49.

The fastest 5km swims were performed by the ladies today with Morgan Skillman swimming an amazing time of 1.13.28 closely followed by Nicola Johnstone in 1.14.31. F50-59 Janet Gorst swam 1.49.31, and F60-69 Pauline English swam a very creditable 1.58.31.

Thank you to all the swimmers who took part for your inspiring efforts today. Thanks also to my friends in the Sri Chinmoy Races team who helped put on this event and let me have a swim!

Amalendu

Race Director

Full results are published, as well as a photo album.

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims for 2012 were held from Yarralumla Bay, Canberra over the distances of 5 km, 2.5 km and 500 metres on Sunday 26 February 2012. Full results by age category for each of the 3 distances follow:

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims: 5 km, 2.5 km & 500 metres, 26 February 2012 full results by category>>

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims for 2011 were staged at Yarralumla Bay, Canberra on Sunday 20 February, with the choice of 3 distances - 5 km, 2.5 km and 500 metres.

Full results for each of the 3 races by age category>>

Race Photos

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Contrary to the uninspiring weather reports, we were graced with glorious sunshine for the Sri Chinmoy Lake Swim held at Yarralumla Bay on Sunday February 20th.

A field of over 90 competitors turned out to challenge mind and body over respective distances of 5km, 2.5km and 500m. Developing winds brought somewhat choppy conditions towards the latter stages of the longer races, though the smiles on the faces of the athletes suggested they had all taken in their stride (or stroke).

In the male categories for the 5km race first place in the Under 50 category was Cory Dimmer in a time of 1:14:21. First place in 50-59 category was Alexander Gosman in a time of 1:27:21 whilst Terry Dixon won the 60-69 in 1:38:55. First place in the 70+ category was Geoff Llewellyn in 3:21:15. Geoff certainly embodies the ideal of self-transcendence and is great inspiration to many younger athletes.

In the female categories for the 5km race first place in the Under 50 was Nicola Johnstone in 1:20:08 whilst Marita Basham took out the 50-59 category in 1:35:19.

In the 2.5km Male Under 50 Graeme Morris won in a time of 38:52, holding off James Olsen by a mere 13 seconds. The 2.5km Male 50-59 category provided an even closer finish with Grant Prowse taking the honours in 43.58 with Tim Booth only five seconds behind. In the 2.5km Male 60-69 John Kennedy was victorious in 58:01. Special mention also goes to crowd favourite Lachlan Lewis, one of great supporters of Sri Chinmoy events over the years and another individual who continually redefines the barriers of age.

In the 2.5km female Under 50 Hayley Gosman was a clear winner in 38:43, as was Anne Smyth in the 50-59 category finishing in 41:06.

The 500 metre race provided the perfect opportunity for many younger competitors to hone their racing skills. Josh Basserabie won the under 13 boys in 13:11, whilst Jordan Kime won the under 17 boys in 10:55. Naomi Stewart won the girls under 17 in 9:39. In the 17 and over category David Bale was the first male across the line in 8:45, whilst Victoria Clancy was the first female in 9:27.

We salute all the swimmers who competed in today's event. Thanks also to all the volunteers and spectators for their efforts in creating the jovial atmosphere that has become a trademark of Sri Chinmoy events. We look forward to seeing you all at our next event! Keep training and keep smiling!

Full results by age category>>

Photo gallery>>

5 km
category	first name	last name	gender	time	pl	cat pl
M 0-49	Cory	Dimmer	MALE	01:19:45	1	1
F 0-49	Claire	Mantle	FEMALE	01:21:57	2	1
M 0-49	Peter	Johnson	MALE	01:30:56	3	2
M 50-59	Steve	Cole	MALE	01:34:20	4	1
F 50-59	Marita	Basham	FEMALE	01:36:03	5	1
M 0-49	Lee	Walsh	MALE	01:41:41	6	3
M 0-49	Aaron	Walker	MALE	01:48:33	7	4
M 0-49	Charles	Nicoll	MALE	01:56:10	8	5
M 60-69	Alec	Gray	MALE	01:58:20	9	1
M 60-69	Russell	Wenholz	MALE	01:58:35	10	2
F 50-59	Pauline	English	FEMALE	02:03:20	11	2
F 50-59	Helen	Rubin	FEMALE	02:11:56	12	3
M 50-59	Stephen	May	MALE	02:13:25	13	2
M 70+	Geoff	Llewellyn	MALE	02:24:31	14	1

2.5 km
category	first name	last name	gender	time	pl	cat pl
M 0-49	Josh	Donnelly	MALE	00:36:26	1	1
F 0-49	Melanie	Wellenberg	FEMALE	00:37:46	2	1
F 0-49	Jessica	Hancock	FEMALE	00:39:15	3	2
M 50-59	Tim	Booth	MALE	00:44:35	4	1
M 0-49	Steve	Whan	MALE	00:44:55	5	2
M 0-49	Chris	Kime	MALE	00:45:37	6	3
M 50-59	Craig	Kentwell	MALE	00:46:56	7	2
M 60-69	Terry	Dixon	MALE	00:47:14	8	1
M 0-49	Damien	Kime	MALE	00:47:28	9	4
M 50-59	Jim	Crotty	MALE	00:48:59	10	3
M 0-49	Kent	Maxwell	MALE	00:49:15	11	5
F 0-49	Tara	Booth	FEMALE	00:49:34	12	3
M 0-49	Jordan	Kime	MALE	00:50:41	13	6
F 0-49	Rochelle	Basham	FEMALE	00:51:58	14	4
F 0-49	Jessica	Bowers	FEMALE	00:52:00	15	5
M 0-49	Jeremy	Wells	MALE	00:57:17	16	7
M 0-49	Jeremy	Reading	MALE	01:05:52	17	8
F 0-49	Penny	Warwick	FEMALE	01:09:20	18	6
F 0-49	Angela	Cheung	FEMALE	01:09:34	19	7
M 60-69	Geoff	Barker	MALE	01:18:36	20	2
M 70+	Lachlan	Lewis	MALE	02:19:10	21	1

500m
category	first name	last name	gender	time	pl	cat pl
F U 17	Sarah	Kurthi	FEMALE	00:11:22	1	1
M 17+	Phillip	Livingstone	MALE	00:11:44	2	1
M U 13	Charlie	Kurthi	MALE	00:12:48	3	1
M U 13	Joel	Mantle	MALE	00:12:52	4	2
M 17+	Jeremy	Hawes	MALE	00:15:02	5	2
F 17+	Joanna	Guilfoyle	FEMALE	00:15:15	6	1

Race Photos

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In many ways, this yearâ€™s Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims were a fresh experience.

Among other things, the Canberra climate becomes more unpredictable with each successive season â€“ resulting in the third change of venue in as many years. It seems to be like so many much larger regular sporting events, with a different section of Lake Burley Griffin (or in this case, Lake Ginninderra in Canberraâ€™s north) â€œhostingâ€ the event each time. Many swimmers commented that they much preferred the calm and less busy waters of Ginninderra â€“ which is just as well. Who knows when we might need to return to these waters?!

Another new (or at least, rare) experience was the weather: cloudy and cool, unlike the usual hot, sunny days that this race usually supplies. This made little difference to the water temperature, which was warm and pleasant. Almost nobody needed wetsuits. But not until the last swimmers came in, and the course was being packed away, did some rain (much-needed in Canberra) start to fall.

Cory Dimmer easily won the 5km race in a time of 1hr 19mins 45secs. The first woman, Claire Mantle, was close behind on 1:21:57. They were followed by Peter Johnson (1:30:56), the first over-50 male Steve Cole (1:34:20) and the first over-50 female Marita Basham (1:36:03).

In the 2.5km race, the fastest men were Josh Donnelly (36mins 26sec), Tim Booth (44:35) and Steve Whan (44:55). Apologies for previous incorrect listing of top three finishers! Twin brothers Damien and Jordan Kime, foregoing â€œeasyâ€ age-group trophies in the 500-metre race, took up the challenge of the 2.5km swim instead. Damien came fourth, and Jordan came a respectable sixth. The fastest females, meanwhile, were Melanie Wellenberg (37:46), Jessica Hancock (39:16) and Tara Booth (49:34).

The 500-metre â€œsprintâ€ race was won by Sarah Kurthi (11mins 22secs), whose trophy was in the under-17 female category. She was followed by her younger brother Charlie (11:44), the first under-13 male, and the first adult male, Phillip Livingstone (12:48).

Results have been published, and also a photo gallery.

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