Darwin Stingers begin training six-months out from 2024 Masters

The countdown is on for the 2024 Australian National Masters Swimming Championships with the Darwin Stingers ready to make a splash.

Darwin Stingers’ Dr Althea Neblett, Haydn Valle, Laura Wade, Jac Stirrat, training at Parap Pool, Darwin NT. Picture: David Hancock.

Parap pool will once again be teeming with hundreds of high-class swimmers battling it out for silverware following a long nine-year hiatus.

Swimmers from around the NT have started putting in the hours, already preparing for the highly competitive event.

With every state and territory involved, plus the addition of some international competitors, the competition is slated to attract the best masters swimmers to the Top End in May of next year.

“Darwin will make an excellent host for this national event, which celebrates Masters Swimming at its highest level while also reaffirming our motto of fitness, fun and friendship,” MSA National Championships chair Neil Ludvigsen said.

“This is a very big deal for us.

“A lot of the others (states) have well over 1000 members compared to our (Darwin Stingers) 200.

“So to hold the event is a great deal.”

One of the Australia’s most popular sports, Masters Swimming has continued to grow in the past five years with almost 7000 members signed up to a club.

“We expect several hundred competitors from around the country and overseas to compete here in Darwin, where the water’s always warm,” the Swimming NT life member said.

“And on top of that, swimmers’ partners and offspring will make this a massive event.

“Myself and all the other (Darwin) swimmers are really excited for the event and we encourage anyone from the community who is interested to get to the pool, sign up and give it a go.”

Boasting swimmers from 18 to 90 plus years old, and comprising 47 per cent male and 53 per cent female swimmers, Masters Swimming is a uniquely diverse and all encompassing sport.

“Masters Swimming Australia is a supportive environment and encourages swimming for life,” Masters Swimming Australia general manager Sarah Pisterman said.

“Our members look forward to attending the National Championships every year; and especially next year in Darwin.”