Horsham’s Alyssia Jenkins and Ethan Jolley were the highest-placed female and male swimmers for the district.

Jenkins recorded fourth-placed finishes in both the 9-10 year old girls 50-metre backstroke and butterfly finals, while Jolley placed fifth in the 13-14 year old boys 100-metre breaststroke race.

District 12 publicity officer Jenny Ough said it was a great experience for some of the region’s swimming talent. 

“It was a good day with a very high standard of competition,” she said. “Our swimmers performed very well, with many obtaining new PBs for their individual races.

“It was a really encouraging atmosphere down in Melbourne to race in, with all the clubs sitting together.”

Ararat’s Jack Cameron was a late inclusion into the 11-12 year old boys relay team. 

He replaced Kael Zanker, who had a knee injury.

The addition of Cameron meant all six District 12 clubs – Ararat, Donald, Horsham, Stawell, St Arnaud and Warracknabeal – had competitors at the meet.

Ms Ough said the team’s performance was a credit to the individuals and their clubs.

“It was a terrific day for the kids, they held their times really well,” she said.

Ms Ough said Wimmera swimmers would now finish their preparations for the district championships at the Warracknabeal pool on Saturday.