Vernon and Cooper dominate Danger

FORMER Torquay SLSC junior Archie Vernon and Geelong’s Madison Cooper have come out victorious in the premier Danger 1000 at this year’s Danger Ocean Swim Series.

Held on Saturday at Torquay Front Beach, the Jan Juc SLSC fundraiser ticked into its 24th year and attracted competitors of varying abilities to take part in the four course lengths (500m, 1km, 2.5km and 5km).

In the Danger 1000, Vernon and Cooper were faultless in their attack, slicing through the tricky easterly wind chop with ease.

Vernon finished a whopping 17 seconds ahead of second-placed Brenton Ford with a time of 12 minutes and 45 seconds, while Cooper beat her nearest competitor by 13 seconds with a time of 14 minutes and 12 seconds.

The former Torquay SLSC junior said he was thrilled to continue his strong form from winning the Rip View Classic into his victory in the Danger Ocean Swim Series.

“I’ve really focused on going out there and not overthinking it all too much, I just try and enjoy it,” Vernon said.

“To finally put a good stretch together makes that hard training in winter worth it, I’m fully stoked!”

Outside of the Danger 1000, Noah O’Donnell and Dakoda Mathers showed their endurance prowess by winning the 5km swim, while Owen Leggett and Zoe Jennings took the mantle in the 2.5km swim.

In the 500m sprint swim, Jennings came out on top again, while David Hughes was victorious in the open male category.

Event organisers also ran a small wade race during the 2.5km and 5km distance marathons for the young junior competitors to introduce them to the Danger Ocean Swim Series.

Jan Juc SLSC sponsorship and fundraising director Jodie Reyntjes said the club was thrilled to have the event back to pre-COVID participation numbers, and thanked volunteers, participants and their families for being involved.

“To have 1,000 swimmers was just a fantastic outcome,” she said.

“We also had in excess of 150 volunteers who did long hours and helped us get the course ready.

“It was challenging swim conditions, some competitors felt pretty seasick, but we had terrific feedback from them that they all felt safe and supported by our volunteers.”