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Swim stars shine on a grey day at the Portsea Swim Classic

7 February 2007

Team Monash swimmers and supporters were a highlight of the event.

A record 80 swimmers from the Monash community recently entered the 21st annual Portsea Swim Classic.

Staff, students, alumni and Monash Sport members took part in the 1.2km challenge, one of the largest open water swims held in Australia.

Some of the swimmers who gained top 10 placings included brother and sister team Laura Denehy (fifth in Open Women) and Tom Denehy (ninth in Open Men). Monash alumni Amanda Jacobs was eighth in Open Women and Ron Kerpen ninth in the 60 Plus Men's category.

The team was supported by over 20 volunteers who helped provide shelter, massage, food, drinks and motivation to the Monash Sport competitors.

Despite wet weather on the day the team size was nearly double the size of the 2006 participation numbers. This year Monash Sport also provided assistance to the life saving club with provision of staff and club members who provided data entry services and underwater diving patrols, ensuring the event ran smoothly.

Event patron Professor Phillip Steele was on hand, beach side to witness some fantastic performances from Team Monash swimmers.

Head coach for the event Mr Terry Jenvey said the team performed very well this year in testing conditions.

"Many of the swimmers took the opportunity to prepare well for the event by taking advantage of the tailored coaching program in the months prior to the event. This year participants were provided with wetsuits to aid performances and this was certainly appreciated by the team," Mr Jenvey said.

Second time participant and Monash University student James Kyper was complimentary of the Monash Sport coordination of the swimming team.

"The level of organisation has been fantastic and everything from transport to wet suits to coaching to massage and refreshments is provided - it makes us want to swim our best!" he said.