Viking duo head north of the border for MSQ State LC Championships | 30 March - 2 April 2023

Report by Caz Makin, Publicity Officer

The Mackay Aquatic Centre

Two keen Vikings headed north to the humidity and sunshine in Central Queensland to compete at the MSQ State Long Course Championships held from 30 March to 1 April at the Mackay Aquatic Centre and then the MSQ State Open Water Swimming Championships held in the Pioneer River on 2 April 2023.

Lesley & Caz

Lesley de Lorenzo and Caz Makin joined forces representing Tuggeranong Masters to compete in the outdoor pool in Mackay alongside Queensland swimmers and a handful of other interstate competitors.

The MSQ event saw distances from 1500m through to 50m on offer over 3 days of racing in the pool with heaps of relay events including a 4x200m Mixed Freestyle Relay as well as a 1500m and 3000m open water swim on day 4.

The humidity was extremely high and the sun was strong during the daytime, with some stormy, wet evenings. The water temperature in the competition pool was definitely a little on the warm side, but the competition was fun with fabulous commentary from the MC - John Munro - during the racing and also fabulous media coverage by WINNews Central Queensland interviewing swimmers and lots of great footage from MSQ (Day 1, Day 2).

100m Freestyle Start

Lesley swam in five Freestyle events including the 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m, and 50m. Lesley's 50m Freestyle was a pleasingly fast time and she was strong in the distance events, swimming smoothly through every lap.

Caz swam in eight events including the 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 200m Breaststroke, and 200m Individual Medley, bringing home 4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal to Canberra. Caz also swam in the 1.5km open water swim, placing 2nd overall female behind a 41-year-old ex-olympian and winning gold in her age group.

Lesley's husband Steve was also racing (for his club. Penrith Masters) and swam the 1500m, 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m, and 50m Freestyle as well as finishing off with a very strong 3km open water swim and winning a swag of medals in his age group.

Open Water Swimming Warriors, Caz & Steve at The Pioneer River, Mackay

Check out the MSQ Meet Summary & Full Results.