The Times / Telstra Country Wide
MOLLYMOOK BEACH OCEAN SWIM CLASSIC
2006 Mollymook Ocean Swim Results

The 4th Annual Mollymook Beach Ocean Swim Classic was held over a new course, beginning at North Mollymook. Many swimmers were coached to the north end from the Surf Club, whilst others walked to the start line on what was a beautiful autumn morning.

The event, which began at 9:40 am, was held in bright sunny weather with a perfect sea, making for an enjoyable experience for all swimmers. Mollymook's natural amphitheatre shape provided viewers with a great opportunity to watch the event in progress and as it finished in front of the Mollymook Surf Club.

There were 138 entries made up of 95 males and 43 females and commentary from the visiting swimmers was hugely positive, with experienced Sydney based swimmers voting it as good as the Byron Bay event which is regarded by many as the Premium Ocean Swim on the Calendar. Those particular swimmers have indicated that positive stories of the quality of the beach and the course will now spread, such as to ensure that greater numbers will be in attendance for future Mollymook Swims. Each of the Swimmers will be invited to "bring a friend"

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The First male was Shane Barry of Corrimal (wearing No 105) in a time of 25:25 and the First female home was Jacquii Robinson of Botany (25:28) both won $500. The event was hotly contested and Mollymooks own Sonnaii Sorenson won Second female home in 27:18, whilst the Second placed male was Ben Orford of Caringbah in 25:30. Third placed male in a time of 25:33 was Mitchell Fagerstrom of Holsworthy and Third female was Cara Mura of Kiama (28:00).

This year the organizers had clear rules that meant that swimmers who won the major prizes could not double up for a second prize. That seemed to be well received as it provided for a greater spread of the prizes which were on offer.

Of local interest is Sonnaii Sorrenson's great swim and that of the following prize winners. First male local home: Graeme Wolfenden; First Female local home: Rebecca Nevin; First female Surf Club member home: Jan Humphries; First male Mollymook Surf Club member home: Greg Stratford; Oldest swimmer home: Peter Pontefract

It is good to see the number of locals in the swim, including swim coach, John Smeeth, and some well known big wave Surf Board riders, which is fantastic as it all helps to raise the profile of the swim as an event worth participating in.

The organizers wish to thank the (naming) Major Sponsors: The Times Newspaper and Telstra Countrywide as well as those local businesses that assist by donating the excellent prizes that make up the majority of the Awards (including the Age Group place getters) allocated on the day.
Additionally, the event is hugely supported by businesses and bodies such as Commercial arms of Council who lend support leading up to the event and on the day itself. Without the support of all of these people the event could not take place.

Additionally, organizers wish to thanks are extended to all the Surf Club members and Swimmers who assist in planning the event or who work on the day. Thanks also to the lifesavers who provide the risk management service by being "on station" with boards, skis, surfboats and IRB's, again, without that support the event could not proceed.

This year's event was run in tandem with the Shellharbour swim which was conducted on the day prior to the Sunday Mollymook Ocean Beach Swim Classic. This concept was well received by swimmers who were encouraged to enter both swims, which in future years will be promoted as "A swim weekend away to the South Coast." Two cash prizes of $100 were won for the fastest aggregate times (male and female) and a further five prizes of $50 were drawn from the ranks that participated at both Shellharbour and Mollymook.

Too often in the past, dates of swims in regional geographical areas select swim dates that clash with those chosen by other organizers. The cooperation between the two South Coast Clubs has been congratulated by "Oceanswims": Paul Ellercamp, as it assists swimmers to go in both swims rather than choosing between the two.

Enquiries:
Geoff Starkey: Email, ph 44 552083; Fax: 4455 4150
Graeme Wolfenden: Email, ph 44239 256; Fax: 4421 4967

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