Redcliffe's Rylee lands state crown

Rylee Smith added the Queensland State 12 Years 800m freestyle title to her growing swimming resume at the weekend.

The Redcliffe Leagues Swimming Club (RLSC) star won the short course crown in a hectic three-day program at Chandler Aquatic Centre.

Smith, from North Lakes who swam 2.3kms in her races, was also runner-up in the 400m individual medley (IM) and third in the 400m freestyle and 200m IM.

Personal bests

Add to that fifth in the 100m IM and sixth places in both the 100m backstroke and 200m freestyle against swimmers from across the state.

RLSC’s Zaine Vardon (13 Years) had a disrupted preparation, after recent surgery, but swam two events and came away with two personal bests.

He also placed eighth in the 50m backstroke and 16th in 50m freestyle.

Club colleague Hilary Rika (13 Years) broke her previous pbs in both her sprint events, the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle, finishing in 32nd and 37th positions.

Tuesday start

The results were described as a “wonderful achievement” by the swimmers and head coach Wanda Drew after lockdowns and meets being cancelled or rescheduled.

With the short course season over, the long course begins after the school holidays.

RLSC’s Tuesday Evening Club Night racing begins on October 5 for anyone from the age of five upwards.

Fun racing

It provides fun racing, learning about competitive swimming and trying the sport.

Email [email protected] if you are interested in attending or go down on the first evening at Redcliffe War Memorial Pool in Sydney St, Redcliffe.

The pool is also celebrating its 50^th anniversary next month with the opening of the renovated 18m pool and more learn to swim lessons.