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Records topple again for Portsea Classic swimmers

20 February 2008

Three trophy winners from TeamMONASH.

An inspiring double victory in the open mens and junior mens events for teenager Sam Sheppard capped off a successful day for TeamMONASH™ at the 2008 Portsea Swim Classic on Saturday 19 January.

Sheppard swam the 1.2km distance to win the junior 12-17 years event early in the day and backed up to also win the open category. Participation for TeamMONASH™ in the 2008 Classic was almost double last year's numbers with 152 swimmers registered. Monash University first entered a team of 40 swimmers in the 2006 event.

Twenty-five volunteers also lent a hand to support the swimmers.

Event patron and Berwick and Peninsula campus Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Phillip Steele was on hand to witness some fantastic performances from the team and said the event was a great chance to show Monash to the community.

"It's a tremendous testament to Monash. There's people from all parts of Monash, they've prepared during the year, they work hard and represent the university well," Professor Steele said.

TeamMONASH was well supported on the day.

Fiona Sanson placed third in the 30-39 female age group and Sharon Newstead was third in the 40-49 female division. Adam Bretel was the winner of a random $1,000 prize draw.

TeamMONASH™ participants praised the support of staff and volunteers in helping make the day a great experience.

"It was a brilliant day and a wonderful atmosphere in the team tent - it was amazing how mutually supportive, considerate and good-humoured the helpers, staff and participants all were," one participant said.

The Portsea Swim Classic is one of the largest open water swims held in Australia and raises money for Portsea Life Saving club.

Swimming groups train throughout the year to prepare for the next event. The Tri-Swim Squad is designed for masters, triathletes, open water swimmers and those who can swim at a reasonable level.

Anyone interested in taking part in the next TeamMONASH™ event can start training for the Mothers Day Classic, which is on Sunday 11 May. The event offers an 8km run, 4km run and 4km walk.

More information is at the Monash Sport website.