Former world record holder and SUSF Scholarship holder, Matt Jaukovic, succumbed to a swimmer’s worst nightmare after starting strongly in the 50m Butterfly at the recent NSW Metropolitan Short Course Championships.
On entry to the water Jaukovic’s goggles became dislodged, forcing the swimmer to compete the event with little pool vision. Swimming blind, he still finished third to collect the bronze medal in his pet event.
He made amends the following day, swimming Butterfly in the 50m Freestyle event, Matt blasted his opposition with a sensational time of 22.89 seconds, just 0.31 off his world record effort set in Sydney last November.
The Metropolitan Championships were Matt’s final chance at race practise before heading off to Serbia on Wednesday to compete in the World University Games. Jonothan Newton (50m Freestyler) and SU coach Steve Alderman are also members of the Australian University Swimming Team.
With their exams out of the way the swimmers from Sydney Uni competed strongly and were able to focus solely on performances in the pool.
Other Butterfliers’ to enjoy success were SUSF Scholarship holders Emma Gray (1st 50m Fly and 3rd 50m Free) and Kate Johnson (2nd 200m Fly and 2nd 100m Fly). Kate’s younger sister, Gemma was a close 3rd in the 50m Fly, 100m Fly and 50m Backstroke. SUSF 2008 Blue Recipient, David Wise swam a speedy 50m Backstroke to also secure a Bronze medal.
The most improved performances of the SU Swim Team came from second year science student, James Etter. James contested five events to post considerable personal best times in all five races, finishing 8th in the 200m Breaststroke.
The following SU competitors finished in the sought after “Top 10” Rankings:
Gemma Johnson (10th 100m Back)
David Wise (5th 50m Fly; 8th 50m Free)
Sam McConnell (6th 50m Fly; 8th 100m Fly; 10th 50m Back)
Emma Gray (6th 100m Free)
Kate Johnson (6th 200m Free; 6th 50m Fly; 9th 50m Free)
Tim Halliday (7th 100m IM; 8th 50m Back)
Gordon Willis (10th 50m Free)
The Sydney Uni Swim Team now turns its attention to the NSW Open Short Course Championships later next month. The team has the goal of securing fast times for entry into the Australian SC Championships in Hobart later in August.
