Darwin Stingers putting in final reps ahead of home Nationals

Robert Magin didn’t start swimming until he was 70, now he’s a multi-medallist and is set to lead the Stingers on home soil.

Darwin’s own Shannon Coutts (right) and Robert Magin with The Lord Mayor of Darwin Konstantine Vatskalis during a training session at Parap Swimming Pool. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

They might have more than a 50-year age gap between them, but Darwin Stingers’ swimmers Shannon Coutts and Robert Magin are both gunning for the same prize, gold.

With under a month to go, training and final preparations are ramping up ahead of the nation’s biggest Masters Swimming event.

Originally scheduled for 2021, the event was cancelled due to Covid restrictions and rescheduled to May 3rd to 7th next month.

And with two weeks left till registrations close, organisers are encouraging keen athletes to get involved.

“Now’s the time to sign up and take part in the nationals,” convener of the organising committee Neil Ludvigsen said.

“We are delighted to be hosting this much-anticipated world class event right here in Darwin,” he said.

“We have swimmers of all ages and abilities competing in the nationals.

“Our own NT representatives are looking forward to making a splash after months of training.”

Unlike other swimming meets, the Masters does not require qualifying times, meaning the stage is set for anyone and everyone of all abilities and experience levels.

Coutts, 22, is one of the many swimmers taking part in the event, and has regained her love of swimming after a number of years out of the pool.

Since joining the Stingers in May of last year, the student was left wondering why she’d ever left the sport in the first place.

“When I’m studying and working and getting stressed, swimming in the morning significantly improves my mental health,” she said.

“I’ve surprised myself at some of the recent Stinger meets.

“I especially want to cut my 50m Butterfly time.”

Shannon Coutts and Robert Magin are putting in the final work ahead of next month’s National Masters Swimming Championship in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

And despite being the youngest on the team, Coutts couldn’t care less.

“Even though I’m in my twenties and the youngest person, I love chatting to everyone,” she said.

“I like all the coaches and the people.

“I want to be as fit as them in my sixties and seventies.

“They’re faster than me, they’re an inspiration.”

On the other end of the spectrum is Magin.

While he’s always had an affinity to water, the now accomplished swimmer has mastered all the strokes.

The 79-year-old has taken part in every National Championship right across the nation since 2016 and has found himself among the medals in the last three.

A self-confessed lover of endurance swimming and current holder of the club record, the Stinger has shifted his attention to the short course, namely the 200m IM and Butterfly.

“As long as I breathe air, I’ll be swimming,” he said.

“It is fun, and many of my best friends now are here at the club.”

Click here to register for the Championships – registrations close April 19.