2014 MSA National Swim Series
Ryan and teammate Steve from Kwinana at the 2014 National Championships in Rockhampton
Ryan in Rocky at the National Championships
Ryan Whiddett has dived into the inaugural MSA National Swim Series. The 22 year old from Kwinana Masters in WA, has competed in four of the five events already held
in 2014 and is leading the Men’s 18-24 age group.
While Ryan has spent his whole life in the water, he has been swimming competitively for the last nine years, beginning at the age of 13. In 2012 he was attracted to Masters Swimming and became a founding member of the One-Club, Kwinana Waters, which has allowed him to coach both fellow Masters’ members and members of the Kwinana Hornets Junior Swim Program. Ryan said that “the main attraction of Masters was the attraction of having a friendly atmosphere to keep fit but more so being motivated to keep healthy by a group of likeminded people. There is no better atmosphere than a Masters meet, the competition amongst the fun and relaxed environment is just a huge attraction.”
With the introduction of the MSA National Swim Series this year, Ryan has been able to use swimming as an excuse to see Australia. Previous to 2014, Ryan had only ever ventured to Sydney and Adelaide, however he can now tick a few more destinations off the list thanks to events in Rockhampton, Launceston and the Gold Coast in November. Ryan has also used the MSA National Championships, MSWA Long Course, MSTas Short Course and MSSA Short Course as motivation to continue regular and frequent training sessions around his coaching and other work commitments.
As well as an excuse to travel, the MSA National Swim Series has provided Ryan with many highlights for the year. From a swimming point of view, Ryan has found great pleasure in watching small improvements in his times with each meet since the April National Championships. While lining up against all varieties of ages and different swimmers at each meet has helped push him to swim faster times and assisting him in setting goals
Ryan has also not less pass the opportunity to meet new people and witness some great swimming action.
The 2014 National Championships in Rockhampton provided many treasured memories, including the ANZAC Dawn Service and the awards night. With fellow Kwinana members at the MSWA Long Course meet in May, Ryan was able to soak in the fun of the relays, before his trip to the MSTas Short Course and experiences with the pool inflatables and loveable team mascots.
The MSA National Swim Series has also allowed Launceston Lemmings’ Robert Tucker (60-64), Malvern Marlins’ Gerry Tucker (65-69) and Darwin Stingers’ Bryannon Ruskin (30-34) the chance to travel around Australia and swim. Also leading their age groups, to date the three members have competed in three events in the series.
Good luck to all MSA members registered to compete in our final three events of the MSA Swim Series. Those competing at the Pan Pacific Masters in November may even spot Ryan at his fifth Swim Series event for 2014!
