Darwin Stingers

Our Stingers enjoyed a social night hosted by Gail Gronholt last weekend. It was a lovely evening under a micro moon, and the perfect way to kick start the dry season social calendar!

Last week our early morning squads said farewell to our wonderful coach, Giorgio. We will miss his expertise, his encouragement, and his endless patience with a few swimmers who tend to have water in their ears when he’s giving instructions…

Giorgio we wish you the best in your next endeavours, and thank you for everything you’ve done for our Stingers!

A busy weekend at Parap for the NT Swimming Championships! 24 of our Stingers competed across individual events and relays, with some bling to show for it! Congratulations to everyone who participated, as well as those who helped out with timekeeping and other official duties. We can’t do it without you!

Swimming Northern Territory

Changes to tomorrow due to NT Champs: no OWS training. E1000 is running at Casuarina.

Last Saturday afternoon saw the first MSA information session for 2026, on the topic of ‘Men’s Health - Let’s Talk About It’. Darwin Stingers club members Dr Owain Greville and Dr Adrian Nightingale provided an amazing range of useful information on a wide range of topics relevant to the men in our Masters clubs.

An enormous thank you to Owain and Adrian and the men who participated.

Watch out for upcoming MSA information sessions on Women’s Health, Nutrition Part 2, Lung Function and Sleep, featuring more of our learned members and wonderful Dietician Kia King.

Here’s the first information session for 2026! Our swimmers Dr Owain Greville and Dr Adrian Nightingale will be discussing the impact of Men’s health on swimming as we age. See below for details, and RSVP via Jac’s email address before February 26th. See you there!

More action to report from down south! This time coming to you from Brighton, SA, at the Brighton Jetty Classic. Anne-Marie Cruickshank and Rebecca Mather-Brown competed in the 1500m event, and both took out top spots in their age groups! Congratulations!

If you’re feeling the need for speed, check out some upcoming dual sanctioned events in the Top End on the Swimming Northern Territory page. Next event is on February 21st, see you there!

We are deeply saddened to bring you the news that Sandie Hyde passed away in Darwin hospice on Sunday 18 January 2026.

Since joining Darwin Stingers in May 2018, Sandie was a dedicated swimmer. Having trained at The Valley pool (Brisbane) as a youngster, Breastroke became her favourite stroke and she continued to improve over the years from continued practice and sheer determination. She earned nicknames like ‘pocket rocket’ and ‘true grit’ for her resilience. Sandie competed in the Australian Masters Games, Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, and most notably, won gold at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore as part of the relay team. She supported others in their swimming journeys and was enthusiastic to watch them race and hear of their progress. Sandie loved the friendships she made through Masters Swimming, and spoke of the fun, laughter and support she received. Sandie is going to be sorely missed in the pool and in our lives. She will be greatly missed both in and out of the pool.

There will be a memorial service held at The Visitor and Event Centre at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens on Friday 23rd January at 1100am. Stingers are encouraged to wear their Singapore or regular Club shirts to the service. If swimmers have a meaningful item that relates to their memory of Sandie, they are welcome to place it on the tribute table.

Race report from NSW! Jayna, Catherine and Amanda braved the cold southern waters (20 degrees) in Newport on Sydney’s northern beaches last weekend. After making it past a tricky shore dump, they enjoyed a great 2km swim course (Jayna also completed the 400m option as a warm up).

We Stingers love to take advantage of any swim events while we’re travelling! Make sure to check out the Pittwater series if you’re around Sydney!