An unprecedented number of records were broken at the recent Yarram Secondary College annual swimming carnival.
Florence White, Macy Praetz and Oliver Praetz — all dedicated members of Traralgon Swimming Club — combined to break 13 records between them. Their performances highlighted their commitment to the sport, with the college proud to have such high-achieving athletes representing the school. The trio will now compete at the upcoming Wellington Swimming Championships.
White broke five records in the girls’ 13-year age group. Her record-breaking swims included the 33-metre breaststroke in 27.00 seconds (previously Macy Praetz, 31.09 in 2023), 33m freestyle in 20.12 seconds (Macy Praetz, 23.02 in 2023), 33m backstroke in 26.60 seconds (Aroha Anderson, 27.43 in 2021), 33m butterfly in 23.20 seconds (new official record), and 100m freestyle in 1:14.78 (Macy Praetz, 1:20.00 in 2023).
Competing in the girls’ 16-year age group, Macy Praetz set four new records: 33m freestyle in 21.23 seconds (Sarah McDonald, 21.87 in 2015), 33m breaststroke in 26.86 seconds (Christie Kee, 28.95 in 1995), 33m butterfly in 25.97 seconds (Christie Kee, 1995), and 100m freestyle in 1:16.20 (Aimee Minett, 1:27.00 in 2023).
In the senior boys division, Oliver Praetz established four new benchmarks: 33m breaststroke in 24.11 seconds (Peter Furlong, 24.50 in 1993), 33m freestyle in 19.08 seconds (Tanner Hall, 19.45 in 2024), 33m butterfly in 22.78 seconds (Leo Cashmore, 23.91 in 2022), and 100m freestyle in 1:06 (previously Oliver Praetz, 1:07 in 2025).
