MARCH 2024 GIPPSTAR WINNERS
The March Junior Gippstar Award Winner is Ash Nicholes of Traralgon for his achievements in his sport of Swimming.
At the Gippsland Swimming Championships, Ash won 13 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze. He also won the Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet. Event records were swam in 50m Breast, 50 Free and 200 Ind. Medley. At the Swimming Victoria Long Course State Championships, Ash won: Two Golds in 50m and 100m Freestyle 16 years of age boys; One Silver in 200 Freestyle and One Bronze in 100 Breaststroke. At the Swimming Victoria Age Short Course State Championships, Ash won 1 Victorian record; 3 Gold Medals in 50m Free, 100 Ind Medley, 100m Free; 2 Silver Medals 100 Breast and 200 Free; 1 Bronze 100m Back. Ash went on later in the month to swim at Swimming Australia Open Short Course Nationals where he finished 4th and 8th in age finals (14-18 years) in the 100 breast and 100 free. He also won the Out of Gippsland Swimming Performance Award for the season – For the Victorian All Comers Record in the 16 years 50 Freestyle at the Victorian Short Course Swimming Championships in September. Amazing achievements Ash – well done!
The March Open Gippstar Award Winner is Stephen Noble of Inverloch for his achievements in his sport of Surfing.
The Victorian Open Series is the Premier State Titles for Shortboard Surfing in Victoria. The series for both males and females is comprised three separate events conducted across different surf locations in Victoria. The overall champion is decided on their aggregate points scores from all three events. The champion will then represent Victoria at the National Surfing Championships held during the middle of the year. Stephen was crowned State Champion with a 2100 aggregate points from three events with a 5th place (Bells Beach), 1st place (Cape Woolamai) and a 4th place (Gunnamatta). Stephen was Semi Finalist at Round 1 2024 Victorian Open Series Bells Beach, Torquay VIC; 1st Place at Round 2 2024 Victorian Open Series Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island VIC; and Finalist at Round 3 2024 Victorian Open Series Gunnamatta, Mornington Peninsula VIC.
Congratulations Stephen!
