Tariq Malpass and Megan Pascoe smash club records at Hancock Prospecting WA Short Course Championships

A pair of Albany Swim Club stars smashed club records at the 2024 Hancock Prospecting WA Short Course Championships at HBF Stadium earlier this month. After qualifying for the championships with strong performances at the Albany Short Course Carnival in July, Megan Pascoe and Tariq Malpass did the club proud at the meet held in Perth on August 2-4. Malpass broke the club record in the 50m freestyle final, touching the wall in 25.99 seconds to finish in the top 10 and smashing his previous personal best by 00.38. He also beat his previous 100m freestyle personal best by 00.17 stopping the clock at 57.32secs and finished top 10 in the 50m butterfly. The 17-year-old’s strong meet meant he qualified for all three events at the senior State championships. Pascoe marked a triumphant return to the pool after a six-month break in style by beating a 26-year-old club record when she finished the 50m freestyle final in a rapid 29.78secs. The 18-year-old has not missed a beat since diving back into the water and finished the 50m breaststroke in 39.14secs. ASC’s Ashton Henrickson also qualified for nine individual events at the meet but was unable to attend. Club coach Nola Osbourne said the two talented swimmers proved they are a “force to be reckoned with” at the top level. “Megan (Pascoe) and Tariq (Malpass) showed impressive talent and speed at the WA Championships event,” she said. “Competition was tough and at a high level and they both proved they can hold their own and are a force to be reckoned with at this elite level. “They executed their race plans with precision, achieving some awesome results. “We have some phenomenal talent coming through the senior rankings at present.” The club will now turn their focus to the long course and summer season with an eye firmly on the Bunbury Open in October.