Mackay’s newest swimming sensation, the Northern Stars Swimming Club Inc., is making waves in the region’s competitive swimming scene, delivering impressive results while fostering a love for the sport.
With a focus on developing talent at all levels, the club offers three squad programs—Mini, Junior, and Senior—catering to swimmers of different ages and abilities.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Steve Arnold, Northern Stars aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for swimmers to achieve their personal bests.
“We welcome new members to join our journey,” said club secretary Ally Bexton, encouraging interested families to reach out for more information.
The club’s swimmers have recently showcased their talent at various meets, starting with the Mirani Swimming Club Swim Meet held at the Mirani Aquatic Centre, where athletes took home an impressive haul of medals and ribbons.
Nathaniel Espartinez has emerged as one of the club’s standout athletes, achieving remarkable results at several competitions. At the GBR Swim Meet held at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex, Nathaniel brought home an incredible collection of medals, including gold in the 400m Freestyle, 200m IM, and 50m Backstroke. He continued to dominate at the Somerville House LC Prep Meet in Brisbane, taking gold in the 200m IM and bronze in the 50m Breaststroke.
Alongside his brother, Isaiah, Nathaniel also represented Northern Stars at the Road Trip to Kardinia Meet hosted by the Colac Swimming Club in Geelong, Melbourne, competing against Victoria’s best and adding more medals to their tallies. Nathaniel earned a gold medal in the 50m Butterfly for the 13-year-old boys’ division and also won two silvers and a bronze, while Isaiah also won a silver and a bronze.
Young swimmer Amelia also left a mark at the GBR Swim Meet in Mackay, proving that determination and passion can outshine even the toughest competition, by taking home a swag of medals. Meanwhile, Tyler, who only recently took up competitive swimming at 14, impressed at the Mirani Swimming Club Meet in Mirani, securing two first-place finishes and several personal bests.
Rising stars Daniel, Gryff, Jai, and Matthew also brought home medals and accolades from recent competitions. Daniel earned two gold medals, three silver medals, and one bronze at the Mirani Swimming Club Swim Meet, while Gryff took home a ribbon for every race he entered at the same meet. Jai competed at the Pelican Waters LC Meet and delivered a huge personal best in the 200m Individual Medley, securing third place.
At the Moranbah Highlanders Swim Meet, Tyler, Reid, and Daniel triumphed in the PB Challenge, with Reid securing first place, Daniel claiming third, and Tyler also securing third place.
Matthew represented the club at the Emerald Seals - Emerald Amateur Swimming Club Swim Meet, where he earned two gold medals and one silver and was crowned overall age champion.
The Northern Stars Swimming Club continues to grow, with each meet affirming its commitment to nurturing talent and achieving results. For those ready to dive into the sport, the Northern Stars are ready to welcome you to their constellation of success.
Interested swimmers can contact the club via email at Swim_squad@outlook.com or call Ally Bexton at 0447 719 743.
Brothers Nathaniel and Isaiah shine for Northern Stars, proudly showcasing their medals after outstanding performances at the Road Trip to Kardinia Meet in Geelong
Daniel celebrates a stellar performance at the Mirani Swimming Club Meet, earning multiple medals and an A-Grade upgrade for his efforts
Gryff steals the show at the Mirani Swimming Club carnival, earning a ribbon in every race he entered—an inspiring performance from start to finish
Jai makes a splash at the Pelican Waters LC Meet, achieving a personal best and securing a podium finish in a highly competitive field
Matthew shines at the Emerald Seals Swim Meet, taking home two gold medals, a silver, and the overall Age Champion title
Amelia, the smallest swimmer with the biggest heart, took home medals and hearts alike at the GBR Swim Meet
Tyler took home multiple podium finishes at the Mirani Swimming Club Swim Meet! Photos supplied