Just A Bit Of Swimming

update from Andrew - Sent Fri 6th July 11:02pm (Hawaii Time)
- Photos inserted if & when available

Well we finally got to do what we came for. We Toasted all those of you who have made it possible for our team to be here at lunch and then set off to the pool.

The ride to the pool was marred by a bitter escalation in the ongoing battle between me and the team rebel and all round trouble maker Bridget Maher. When she viscously and maliciously ripped off my team hat and threw it out onto the four lane highway. While Bridget insists it was an accident I have my doubts. It certainly put a smile on the teams face though.

We sent an advance party to the pool to secure our seating and get settled in, Lee, James D, and others from our unwell section set up for the rest of the team. We looked great and our uniforms are once again in high demand. Our hosts from the YMCA stayed at the meet and acted as our cheering section.

Down to brass tacks!!!!
No Marshall, so all kids focus was on the first few races to see how a meet can possibly function without a part which is at every meet they have ever been to. It is too late at night for me to list all the times but PB's from (please excuse me if I have left anyone out)

• Margot
• Nadine
• Liam
• Sarah
• Harriet
• Claudia
• Caleb
• Regan
• John-Joe
• Troy
• Alex
• Angus
• Sam
• Sam
• Christina
• Kurt
• and to top off the night Jenna took away 2 medals a Gold (200IM) & Silver (50 Freestyle).
  

Keep in mind that a long course PB is different from a short course conversion. Hopefully we will be able to take some swimmers off the sick list by tomorrow afternoon.

Our boys seem to be a hit with the girls from the Kona swim team with coach having to regain their focus back onto the pool several times tonight. Tomorrow we are singing the national anthem in the opening ceremony and the boys will issue their Haka.

USA swimming value the input of coaches much more than NZ Swimming with coaches having a direct line to the meet director without having to try to communicate through a manager!! ...& the Coaches all got a free dinner at the pool.

In my last snorkel today I saw a turtle and remembered that sharks eat turtles so i got out.... Andrew"