Coutts Dazzles in Melbourne

Swimming Australia
Published: Jan 14, 2013 08:56:02 AM Updated: Mar 19, 2013 09:25:10 AM

Australian Swimmer of the Year Alicia Coutts has completed her preparation for the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series in style claiming the Women’s 200m IM and 50m Backstroke on the final night of competition at the 2013 Victorian Open Championships.  The five-time London Olympics’ medallist claimed eight Victorian titles and is excited about her prospects in Perth after her performances in Melbourne.    

“I’ve had a really good couple of days and I’m happy with where I’m at.  After having eight weeks off, it was nice to come back and compete at the Victorian Open Championships which is always a fun event, “said Coutts. 

Australian Swimming Coach Leigh Nugent is confident that Coutts and the rest of the Australian Swim Team can perform well in Perth and is encouraged by the performances of those who competed in Victoria. 

“The Super Series is an opportunity to pull the group together for what will be a great team experience.  This event is all about scoring points for your team which will be a fantastic competition experience for the athletes.  It also provides a tough hit out for swimmers ahead of the trials later in year,” said Nugent.  

Melanie Schlanger was again impressive on the last night, winning the Women’s 200m Freestyle in 1:59.10 ahead of St Peters Western’s Katie Goldman (2:00.89) and Nunawading’s Belinda Parslow (2:01.44).  The Southport Olympic swimmer secured the 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle treble to end the Championships as one of the standout performers. 

In other results Olympian Chris Wright was too powerful in the Men’s 100m Butterfly, stopping the clock at 53.04 ahead of Melbourne Vicentre’s Calum Timms (54.33) and New South Welshmen Hugo Morris (54.67).

Matthew Targett took out the 50m Freestyle in an impressive 22.22 over Luke Percy (23.01) and Thomas Meggitt (23.19), while Ben Treffers (54.80) secured the Men’s 100m Backstroke.  Treffers, the 2011 Australian 100m Backstroke Champion, never look troubled as he stopped the clock at 54.80 to beat home a highly credentialed field including Olympians Ashley Delaney and Matson Lawson. 

Eight time Paralympics gold medallist Jacqueline Freney was victorious on three occasions on the final night to finish the week with seven Victorian titles.

For full results of the 2013 Victorian Open Championships please click here.