While the event was not as heavily populated as it normally is, perhaps because of its proximity to Christmas, it was still highly competitive, and swimming coach Artur Vasconcellos of Aquatots Swim School said that he was very pleased with the results that his contingent of 25 swimmers managed. 

Aquatots takes in students from all over the ACT and surrounding regions, and Vasconcellos said that roughly half of the students who came to Goulburn achieved medals. 

“We had a massive turnout,” he said. 

“Everyone was really happy with the whole environment [around the team]. It was a really nice day for all of us.

“I think it was the best results day we’ve ever had. We had massive PB’s [personal bests], 11-second PB’s, five-second PB’s. Pretty much half of our kids got ribbons. 

“It was really nice, everyone did really well, and they were really proud of their performance. It makes us as coaches really proud of the job that we’re doing at Aquatots.” 

The kids who attended the meet from Aquatots were between six and 13 years of age, and for many of them it was their first time competing in an outdoor pool and in a 50 metre pool. 

“Considering that it was a new environment for all of them … we were expecting the best, but not as well as we did,” Vasconcellos said. 

“It was a really nice surprise to get this massive result … they made us really proud.” 

Development meets are crucial in the progression of young swimmers, as they provide an opportunity to push for new records and to go for broke in a competitive but friendly environment. 

The meet at Goulburn is an annual fixture, but it was Vasconcellos’ first time in the country town. 

“It was [my] first time in Goulburn,” he said. 

“I’ve been attending to a few development meets with our squad kids. It was my first one in an outdoor pool, and it was a really nice experience. 

“The environment was completely different. Everyone was laying on the grass, having a good time, and all of the kids were happy and there was good weather. It was a really nice day for all of us.” 

Vasconcellos said that the success of the school was well deserved, as the coaches and the students often receive praise from their peers about the technical base which the school gives the kids at the beginning of their swimming careers. 

“So I think we’re doing good work with our kids, and we hope to keep up the good work,” he said.