Strong showing from Bendigo East at state country titles

BENDIGO East Swimming Club delivered another powerhouse performance at last month’s 2026 Victorian Long Course Country Championships in Geelong.

A team of 39 swimmers represented the club with determination, resilience and outstanding team spirit.

With 151 individual event entries, multiple finals appearances and 29 relay teams, Bendigo East well and truly made its presence felt on the country Victoria stage.

An impressive mix of experience and emerging talent combined for a glut of medals and personal bests, highlighting the club’s depth.

Among the standout performances, Azia Fong-Sutton showed she is a true force to be reckoned with, setting a new event record in the women’s 100m long course freestyle in a time of 58.91.

Holly Hembrow produced a thrilling swim off in the girls 16–17 years 100m freestyle, finishing equal 11th.

Racing with a nothing-to-lose mindset, Hembrow was locked in over the first 50m, before executing a sharp turn and powering home to out-touch her competitor by a stroke length, setting a new personal best in the process.

The mixed 4 x 50m medley relay team of Zarah Reynolds, Cameron Jordan, Austin Robbins, and Azia Fong-Sutton set a new country championships event record in 1:53.42, lowering the previous mark they set 12 months earlier.

Sebastian Mansfield rose to the occasion in the boys 14–15 years 100m freestyle.

Seeded 23rd, he qualified for the final and then delivered a massive personal best to finish in third place, a reward for perseverance on the big stage.

The meet at Kardinia Aquatic Centre marked the final country championships for long-time club swimmer Telani Bibby, before heading interstate for university.

The club was quick to praise Bibby for her contribution and leadership over the years.

“You will always be part of the BESC family and we wish you every success in what comes next,” the club said in a statement on its Facebook page.

With Geelong in the rear vision mirror, Bendigo East is already looking towards the 2027 Victorian Long Course Country Championships in Mildura.

“Building on the momentum, experience and confidence gained this year, we cannot wait to see what the next chapter brings,” the club said.

“We also want to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of our Bendigo counterparts, Kangaroo Flat Swim Club and Bendigo Hawks Aquatic.

“Seeing all three Bendigo clubs represented and performing strongly at this level highlights the depth of talent, coaching and commitment within our region.

“Together, the Bendigo swimming community continues to demonstrate that regional swimming is thriving and worthy of continued support, collaboration and future investment in facilities, pathways and opportunities for our athletes.”