Swim coach Tom Davis said the 20 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals were the best club haul in quite some years.

“We had 30 swimmers competing in ages from nine to 17 against some very stiff competition from the Central Coast, Newcastle and the valley,” said Davis from the club’s base at Tomaree Aquatic Centre.

“We are only a small club compared to many of our competitors and to win multiple gold medals was a thrilling effort. I am very proud of each and every member, with the majority returning personal best times.”

One of the best performers at the carnival was talented 15 year-old Buckley Ingram, who took out both the 50m and 100m breaststroke events.

“Breaststroke happens to be the only stroke I’m good at. I’m hoping to do well in the state champs and possibly the nationals after that,” said Ingram. “My coach [Davis] says that I have the classic breaststroke’s physique.”

Another multiple gold medal winner, 11-year-old Ebony Nix, has been swimming since the age of seven and enjoys the five-times-a-week training sessions.

“I like swimming because it’s fun and you make plenty of friends and you get to meet new swimmers your age at the carnivals,” said Nix, who won gold in the 50m and 100m butterfly, 100m backstroke and 200m medley.

“I want to keep swimming [competitively] for as long as I can.”

Other gold winning medalists were Eve Crowe 13 years 50m backstroke; Randal Ingram 12 years 50m & 100m breaststroke and 200m medley; Archie Quinn 9 years 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m & 100m freestyle and 200m medley; Magnus Gregory 9 years 100m backstroke; Olivia Gray 9 years 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle.

The club also won the under 10 years freestyle and medley relays.

The club’s 12 years and over swimmers will compete in the state titles at Homebush from December 14-19 while the under 12s will have to wait till March.